BOLTON Wanderers Ladies won their first ever Premier League game against Leeds United despite being without a number of first-team players.

It was unknown territory for the Whites against a Leeds United team that have been a regular at Premier League level for several years.

However the players had been working hard in training so were well prepared, and even with 10 new players in the squad of 14 the togetherness and team spirit was evident.

The Whites got off to a scintillating start but were guilty of missing some clear and well-created chances in the opening minutes.

However last season’s top scorer Michelle Kirkman-Ryan scored with her most difficult opportunity with an overhead finish into the far corner.

Again the ladies were creating but not finding the clinical end product.

Bolton’s second goal came when the Leeds keeper failed to hold a cross and returning forward Saf Newhouse converted to extend the early advantage. 

With just over halfway gone in the first half new striker Emma Pilling struck Bolton’s third with a superb 25-yard volley.

Leeds were on the ropes and Bolton wasted more chances to seal the result.

This encouraged the Yorkshire Whites who started to get a foothold in the game with a fine goal themselves from distance just before the break.

Despite playing at a higher level, Bolton had made a wonderful start to life in the Premier League and went into the break 3-1 up – and disappointed not to hold a greater advantage.

The second half was a tighter affair with Leeds having more possession in dangerous areas.

But 17-year-old debutant Sophie Jones and striker-turned-centre-half and captain for the day, Shel Saunders, were steadfast at the back.

Despite Leeds' improvement Bolton continued to create chances but failed to finish them off.

Wanderers also failed to convert a penalty towards the end of the game that would have settled any nerves.

A final result of 3-1 to Bolton was well deserved and an encouraging start for the season ahead for the team's coaching staff.

The game at Atherton Collieries was watched by the highest crowd of the day in the North Division One.

Next up for the ladies on Sunday is a visit to Brighouse Town, who won 5-3 at Newcastle United on the opening day.