Bolton HC Ladies 2 Manchester University 1

BOLTON continued their good run with a hard fought win against a very physical Manchester University side.

Despite numerous chances, both sides could not find a breakthrough in the first half.

A stirring team talk motivated Bolton and they played themselves back into the game. However, it was the University side which opened the scoring.

Bolton soon rallied and good work from the midfield forced a short corner, which culminated in a penalty stroke, Sue Buckley making no mistake as she fired in the equaliser.

Even the embarrassment of having Emma Rimmer yellow carded and sin binned did not put Bolton off their stride and with an award of a second penalty stroke, Buckley made no mistake again to give Bolton the lead and the points.

This win leaves Bolton, the only unbeaten side in the division.

Bolton HC Ladies 2nd 5 Urmston 1

The second eleven continued to build on their good start to the season with an impressive 5 - 1 victory over Urmston.

For the first time this season, Bolton played a team who were just as young as them, so on paper, this made for a very interesting contest. Bolton made the better start and took an early lead when Ashton Duerden swept the ball home.

The lead was then doubled ten minutes later, again finished by Duerden. Bolton continued to pin Urmston into their own half, and just before the break, Emma Smith made in 3 - 0 by deflecting a free hit high into the net.

In the second half, Bolton relaxed and settled down to play some good passing hockey. Lyndsey Blackmore had an outstanding game, playing in both midfield and in defence, and setting up some good breaks.

Bolton scored a fourth from a penalty corner, with Lauren Hickman setting up Smith for her second. Urmston did grab a consolation goal, but Bolton capped a fine performance when Debbie Green deflected home Holly Dean's cross to make it 5 - 1