BOLTON County chalked up their first victory of the Premier Division season, winning a war of attrition at home to Wythenshawe Amateurs.

It meant more than three points to County, who will be without popular player Tom Helsby for the foreseeable future after his horrific injury in a midweek draw at Monton.

“We played well, we pulled ourselves back together after seeing what happened to Tom last Tuesday,” said manager Mark Ormrod. “He got totally taken out by their goalkeeper, he charged out when Tom was through and crashed into him. it was awful.

“Tom suffered a depressed fracture of the skull and a fractured eye socket, the doctors can’t even assess him properly, the swelling hasn’t gone down enough yet.

“It affected all the team massively, their goalkeeper was sent off and they played an hour with 10 men but we couldn’t get ourselves going again.

“Thankfully, Tom was able to come and watch on Saturday so it was good we could get the win for him.”

County took their maiden victory since promotion despite falling behind to Wythenshawe, who would have gone top of the league with a win.

Jordan McLoughlin levelled matters with a neat finish and was later sent flying for a penalty, which Matt Ormrod tucked away.

Liam Stewart headed in the third goal in the second half and, although the visitors scored a brilliant goal in injury time, Tom Axon-Smith had already netted County’s fourth.

“It was a relief,” admitted the manager. “We’ve been playing well and had lots of plaudits but I’d rather have the wins.

“And Wythenshawe didn’t make it easy either, not looking at some of the tackles going in.

“With holidays and a few injuries, we only had one fit sub but we continued to pressure them and we deserved the win.”

In Division Two Breightmet United lost 1-0 at home to Altrincham Hale.