BOLTON Hockey Club's men's second team put in a dominant display to beat University of Salford 4-1 in North West Division Five North/South.

Reece Holmes opened the scoring for the hosts with a reserve-stick finish before Rob Davies doubled the lead with a straight strike from the top of the area for a 2-0 half-time lead.

Salford pulled a goal back at the start of the second half to end Bolton's home clean-sheet record.

But Keith Stanley, in his second game of the season following injury, bagged a brace to secure the points.

The result saw Bolton cement second place with just two points between them and the summit.

The men's thirds travelled to take on neighbours Bury seconds and edged a scrappy encounter.

Bolton had the majority of possession in the first half but young keeper Ed Bailey denied Bury an opener.

After the restart, Bolton upped their game with Richard Moore and Mark Woodward both having good chances.

And it was in-form Woodward who broke the deadlock when slotting home a rebound from close range.

The same man then found time with ball in the opponents D to fire home a deflected shot.

Bury pulled one back but the experience of Andy Hill, Rob Scarth, Matt Rimmer and Richy Turner saw Bolton to victory for a third game in a row.

The ladies' seconds earned a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Greater Manchester Hockey Association Division Two

leaders Stockport.

Bolton piled on pressure from the off but also needed good defence from player of the match Imogen Hall and keeper Nyemh Johnson.

Goalless at half time, the hosts broke the deadlock soon after but it only spurred Bolton on to level when a well-worked ball in from Elena Hawkrigg found Fiona Clarke who hit the back line and reversed it past the goalkeeper.

Bolton pressed hard and were unlucky to not get the win they deserved.

The ladies thirds were beaten by Division Three high-flyers Didsbury Northern 5 but showed spirit having to play with just nine players.

Bolton shipped three quickfire goals in the first half but bounced back after the interval with Elena and Jessica Hawkrigg and Rachel Gibb performing well.

They scored twice but eventually went down 5-2 in a spirited display.

The men's first XI's game at Carlisle and ladies' firsts trip to Newcastle University were both postponed due to frozen pitches.