NEVER change a winning side was a clich that worked for Bolton at the weekend, as the same eleven, who brushed aside Plas Coch last week, did the same to Northop Hall, keeping defensive lynch pin Guy Mathieson on the bench.

The decision seemed to have back fired in a shaky opening. Unable to clear the lines, Bolton's defence gave up possession deep in their own half and then stood and watched as their opponents passed the ball into the net.

Stung by this quick setback, Bolton came on strong, but despite abundant possession and territorial advantage, it was too often a case of more haste less speed. Aitken would have been clean through three times, but for sloppy final passes.

With Williams growing into his new role as sweeper, directing the course of the game, Bolton began to mount ever more threatening attacks.

In particular, Andy Chadwick and Matt Short wreaked havoc down the right to compliment another fine game from Woods. Bolton finally got their just rewards, shortly before the break.

Whilst the first penalty corner was wasted, Simon Monte confirmed his growing reputation by clipping home the next with a drive into the bottom corner. Swiftly, his strike partner proved that he too could connect, Aitken crashing home a neat switch. Bolton produced a second half of scintillating, attacking hockey, which simply blew Northop away.

Almost at will, Bolton's dominant midfield sliced open the defence, Luke and Way to the fore. It was a bullocking run by Way, leaving more than one opponent on the floor, that created the third, Way converting the penalty stroke, after Aitken managed to hit a foot on the line instead of the net.

Incisive passing ripped holes in the away side, as confidence soared. Aitken turned in the fourth and Monte scooped the ball high over the keeper for the fifth.

Northop plugged away and got some reward for keeping playing their own neat passing game, when they again caught Bolton napping at the back, but their relief was short lived, Aitken completing a fine hat trick, rounding off yet another superb move. If you score ten in two weeks, who needs a defensive lynch pin?