Bolton 1sts 4 Morecambe 2

AN unusual start to the season for Bolton, a full side, glorious weather and a convincing win, showing enough class when required to see off hard working opponents.

It was left to Aitken, poaching at the far post, to convert the possession into a lead, scrambling home a slip pass from Woods. Woods was at the heart of Bolton's play and got reward for his efforts, slotting home after his own dazzling run.

Bolton eased further ahead when a superb block tackle deep in his own half by Tobutt was matched only by the inch perfect pass to set Aitken away. He in turn sent Woods through on goal, who was unceremoniously upended by the keeper. Woods recovered sufficiently to exact due revenge with a sweet penalty stroke.

The next thrust saw Williams put Mathieson, ghosting up from the back, clear on the left. His drilled cross was marvellously controlled by Woods, who squared the ball for Aitken to nudged home.

They got some reward from a midfield blunder, playing a neat one-two and beating a stranded Neville, and then a harshly awarded penalty stroke. Had Mathieson not effected a goalline clearance, the result might have been even closer. The team will be further bolstered for next week by the return of Martin Luke and the arrival of a second Aussie, Simon Monty, for the home visit of Preston.

Bolton 2nds 11 Southport Fleetwood Hesketh 0

On any other day this would be a great result. First game of the season in a higher division and you trounce the opposition 11-0. Unfortunately, when only six of the opposition bother to turn up, with others lost in Manchester the result isn't much of a surprise.

Paul Ashurst grabbed four, Adam Friend three, Chris Dean two, Ian Smith and Owen Evans one each.

Bolton HC Ladies 4 Bolton Ladies 2

The ladies continued their great start to the season with an easy victory against local rivals Bolton Ladies.

Bolton gifted the opposition the opening goal against the run of play. Bolton responded immediately with a sweeping shot from Emma Rimmer, which deflected high into the net. Jenny Cocker's cross deflected past the helpless goalkeeper to put Bolton 2-1 up and from the restart, Bolton grabbed a third when Cocker scored with a crisp strike.

The Ladies pulled a goal back after another breakaway before a great move involving Charlotte Harrison and captain Vicki Warburton set up Emma Rimmer for her second and Bolton's fourth.

Bolton Badgers 4 West Derby 3

West Derby were quicker to settle into any sort of pattern and were 2-0 up within 13 minutes, both goals coming from Bolton's inability to clear its lines from short corners.

William Heaney supplied the final pass for Alex Hilton to score his first of the afternoon. Bolton drew level on 19 minutes when Adam Wilmington was left unmarked and his speculative shot and was fortunate to creep in.

Heaney's shot was well saved and in the ensuing scramble the ball broke free to Hilton to slot in his second.

Derby then equalised before Bolton were able to steal the game six minutes from time, Hilton displaying the sort of knack that all great goalscorers have of being in the right place at the right time.