THE unpredictability of early results was well illustrated when Thornleigh - previously highest-placed Bolton side in the Premier Division of the Lancashire Amateur League - lost 5-2 at Mostonians and immediately became the lowest.

Old Boltonians took over that shaky mantle by reversing comprehensively an earlier defeat by struggling champions Rochdale St Clements with a 3-0 victory.

The game was a personal triumph for Ken Young who burst through to score the only goal of a first half in which the midfield, strengthened by Kevin Smith and Gordon Seymour, took control before going on to complete an impressive hat-trick after the break.

Bolton Wyresdale showed their own talented but frustrating nature with an 8-1 victory over Accrington Amateurs which moved them up to fifth. Amazingly, Amateurs scored first and held the Dale to a Paul Crook equaliser at half-time.

The floodgates then opened up with Crook, last season's top striker, adding three more, and goals coming from Paul Mellor, Simon O'Dowd, Keith Clare and Stephen Cunliffe. This and other results give the Premier Division table a topsy-turvy look with three of last year's top four in the bottom half.

The First Division has five sides on 12 and 13 points from five games. Old Sladians faced previously-unbeaten Roch Valley - another of the five - and secured second place by gaining a 2-0 victory.

Bolton County continue on top on goal difference despite seeing their hundred per cent record come to an end against Rossendale.

Despite taking an early lead through Paul Swift, County could not convert other chances. Sensing that an equaliser was on, Rossendale pushed men forward and with a minute to go a lucky rebound from a free kick paved the way for their leveller.

Smithills took closer order by beating Broughton Amateurs 2-0 while in Division Two, only two matches have been played but Little Lever SC have made a hundred per cent start, with 11 goals for and only one conceded.

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