BOLTON Under-15s are through to the Greater Manchester Schools’ County Cup Final after running out 4-3 penalty shootout winners following a 2-2 extra-time stalemate against Salford in their semi-final clash.

The local lads suffered an early setback when Danny Collins opened the scoring for the visitors in the first minute.

Mike Gandy doubled his side’s tally on 20 minutes before Bolton reduced the deficit through Connor Loftus (Rivington) late in the first half to trail 2-1 at the break.

Salford were caught napping at the start of the second half and Bolton took full advantage to level the scores with a second Loftus strike five minutes after the restart.

The remainder of the game provided few chances for either side and, following a goalless spell in extra time, a penalty shootout was required to separate the two teams. Salford looked to be heading for victory when they took a 3-1 lead after three penalties each but Bolton keeper, Nick Howard (Turton), saved three in a row, which enabled his side to creep back into the fray and run out eventual 4-3 sudden-death winners with Loftus netting the winning penalty.

Bury U-14s did not fare as well, going down 4-1 to Manchester in their Greater Manchester Schools’ Talbot Cup semi-final clash at Derby School.