BOLTON Schools Under-15s put themselves in contention for the end-of-season play-offs with a 7-5 victory over Salford in their final league match of the season.

Two goals from open play from Adam Cormican (Harper Green) and two from the spot from Declan Baldwin (Rivington and Blackrod) steered Bolton to the win against a resilient Salford.

Bolton opened the scoring on 25 minutes with a Baldwin penalty after Manasse Lungenyi (Rivington and Blackrod) was brought down in the box.

It was 2-0 after 28 minutes when Jamie Ramwell (St Josephs) reacted first in the box to prod home following a Baldwin free kick.

Cormican made it 3-0 on 35 minutes after racing on to an excellent through ball from Matthew Nicholson (Ladybridge).

Matthew Meskell (Canon Slade) then made it 4-0 on 36 minutes before Salford pulled one back a minute later.

Bolton capped a superb first-half performance when Baldwin made it 5-1 three minutes later with his second from the spot after Meskell was fouled in the box.

Cormican maintained Bolton's dominance with an early second-half strike before Salford made it 6-2 with the third penalty of the game soon after.

Matthew Nicholson (Ladybridge) hit Bolton's seventh on 55 minutes but then Salford suddenly sprang into life and scored three goals in 11 minutes to leave Bolton – who have a Greater Manchester County Cup quarter-final against Knowsley coming up – needing to dig deep to ensure victory.