BOLTON Under-15s won the Greater Manchester County Cup with a 4-2 victory over Wirral.

The local lads, playing their last game together after representing the town for the last three years, had to show character as well as quality after falling behind in the second half.

Two goals from captain Declan Baldwin and one each for Matthew Meskell and Matthew Nicholson sealed the silverware at Manchester United's Ayrshire Road training complex.

Bolton struck first in a tight first half when a long-range free kick from Baldwin (Rivington & Blackrod) on 27 minutes evaded everyone in the penalty area and crept in at the far post.

The lead disappeared early in the second half when Wirrall scored twice in three minutes to take the lead.

But Bolton stood firm and Baldwin equalised with a brilliant goal five minutes later, beating three defenders before cutting in and curling a superb shot into the top corner from just outside the box.

Bolton had their tails up and Meskell (Canon Slade) was in the right place at the right time to convert a ball into the box followed by a fourth from Nicholson (Ladybridge) who met a wonderfully floated cross from Jamie Ramwell (St Joseph's) with a header that looped over the stretching keeper and under the crossbar.

Bolton's defence remained resolute in the last 10 minutes to ensure they won the cup, their third trophy in their three years together.

They have also been losing finalists three times and their victory means the cup stays in Bolton as last year's under-15s also won it.