BOLTON Under-14s beat Wigan 3-2 in the Greater Manchester Schools’ League on Saturday.

But they had to survive a tense last five minutes after letting a 3-0 lead slip.

The local youngsters, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Salford in their previous league game, looked to be heading for another stalemate in a goalless first half, but hit a purple patch with goals from Connor Elliott (Sharples), Jack Foster (Harper Green) and Alex Culston (Canon Slade) in the opening six minutes of the second half.

Wigan came back strongly in the closing stages, reducing the deficit with a penalty 15 minutes from time before grabbing a second, also from the penalty spot, 10 minutes later.

Bolton travel to Preston for a league and North West Woodward Trophy double header on Saturday, kick off 10.30am.