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Bolton 0 Chester 2

HOCKEY: Poor Bolton slumped to a disappointing defeat in their penultimate game of the season against fellow mid-table outfit Chester.

The home side struggled to find inspiration given that they were missing five of their regular squad and also were safe in the knowledge that they have done enough to stay up.

However, the game started as a close run affair and both teams played some good hockey before Bolton keeper Paul Neville was called upon to make several excellent saves.

At the other end, Bolton did well to win a handful of penalty corners following good build-up play, but lacked the edge to finish any of the chances.

Bolton were made to pay for their mixed chances when Chester hit them on the break and went into the lead.

Heavy legs led to an uninspired second half, and neither side looked like they were going to take hold of the match. But it was Chester who had the attacking edge and they finished the game with a fortunate second strike.

Bolton will play host to Crewe next week in their final game of the season already knowing that they will finish either seventh or eighth in a league of 12 depending on results.

The Bolton Badgers beat Deeside Ramblers 3-2 as Phil Allmark, Chris Brynes and Marcus Starr found the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Bolton Ladies shocked fourth-placed Preston when they fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

Nicola Vernon started the comeback just before half-time, before Jessica Mortimer and Katy Jason rounded off fine individuals displays with crucial goals.

The Ladies, who host Wigan on Saturday, should now have done enough to stay up.

4:26am Wednesday 12th March 2008

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