Bolton Wanderers Women come from behind to beat Haslingden

Jess Lightfoot struck either side of half time as Bolton came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Haslingden.

Smith hailed his side’s character and was pleased with their response after going a goal down against the run of play.

“We have been asking for character, a good performance and a win, and we got all three of those things for probably the first time this season," he told The Bolton News.

“There are no easy games in this league and that was proven again, we really had to work for it.

“Playing against this type of team who likes to stay in shape and try to frustrate, to go 1-0 down is tough and that shows the character.

“We were aggressive from the start and got the win, which is the most important part.

“I keep heaping praise on the players because they deserve it. They are a young team but the character they show for the team, the club, the badge and each other – everybody can see it.

“We had around 500 people (in attendance) and they have been able to see a team who work for each other, that is the most important thing.”

Lightfoot caused the Haslingden defence problems from the off and had an early shot saved after swivelling on the edge of the penalty area.

Wanderers maintained their 100 per cent start in the league (Image: Bolton Wanderers)

Milla Hodson then struck the crossbar after cutting in from the left, but the offside flag had already gone up.

Charlotte Tyers drove into the box and tried to find the bottom corner, but her strike was held by the goalkeeper. Lily Barnes also sent an effort just over the bar from distance as Bolton cranked up the pressure.

Smith’s side were hit with a sucker-punch when a Haslingden forward latched onto a ball over the top and produced a deft finish over the onrushing Anabelle White and into the net.

Skipper Katie Holt and Millie Smith both had shots from outside the area as Wanderers looked for an immediate response.

Tyers reacted quickest to pounce on a loose ball in the box but was denied by a smart stop from a tight angle.

The equaliser came on the stroke of half time when Lightfoot beat the goalkeeper to a through ball and kept her balance to slot home from close range.

Bolton picked up where they left off in the second half, with Mila Hodson denied by another decent save.

Lightfoot doubled her tally for the afternoon with another composed finish after getting in behind the Haslingden backline.

The attacker, on a dual-registration deal from WSL side Everton, sent an effort wide of the near post after skipping past a challenge as she searched for a hat trick.

Emma Shone was immediately involved in the action after coming off the bench but her strike was held by the goalkeeper.

Eleanor Seals curled an effort wide as Wanderers looked to put the game to bed in the final stages.

Smith’s side couldn’t quite find a third goal but managed to see the game out and secure another three points.

The result sees Bolton sit top of the table, above second-place Accrington Stanley on goal difference. Next up is a trip to Preston North End on Sunday, September 15 (2pm).

“There is a great community here and ever since I have been here, the club, the fans and people in the local area have been fantastic,” Smith added.

“Looking around, we have loads of young girls who are probably aspiring to step on the pitch in a Bolton Women’s kit one day.

“They want to meet the players and take pictures with them. The numbers are increasing week on week and that is what it is all about.

“We have to go again next week, we take each game at a time. It will be a good test and challenge in the shape of Preston, they are a good side.

“It will be a different type of challenge than this week, every week is slightly different and we have to adapt.

“We have our way of playing but we have to tweak things slightly. We will go again next week and try to get another win.”

White, E Williams, L Williams, Holt, Baldwin, Barnes, Seals, M Smith, Tyers, Hodson, Lightfoot. Subs: E Smith, Ardin, Hardman, Ball, Shone.