BOLTON Wanderers’ ladies are on the verge of title success after a 7-0 win against Birkenhead at Lostock.

The Whites team, yet to taste defeat in their 19 league games, thumped the North West Women’s Regional League Premier Division’s bottom side – who have won just once this season – with Michelle Kirkman-Ryan netting a hat-trick.

And another win when the two sides meet against this Sunday will mean Bolton are the champions, their far superior goal difference meaning three more points will, barring a collapse of epic proportions, secure them the trophy with two games to spare.

“A win this weekend would mean we have all but won the title, we would have to lose both of the last two by about 10 goals to miss out,” said team manager Darren Butler.

“We do want to finish unbeaten, once you have won a title like that you don’t want to take your foot off the pedal but we have other players who perhaps haven’t played as much and we’d like to give them some game time.”

The result on Sunday was never in doubt once Kirkman-Ryan set the ladies on their way five minutes in. Gill Munroe, who provided the pass for the first goal, crashed a shot against the bar two minutes later.

But the second goal was inevitable and, a further minute on, Hayley Langford also found the frame of the goal, but the rebound hit a luckless Birkenhead defender and crossed the line.

A stunning 15th-minute strike from Gabby Yates, who scored from 35 yards made it 3-0 and Kirkman-Ryan’s neat finish just after the half-hour mark ensured Bolton went into the break four goals to the good.

The unmarked Shel Saunders got in on the act with Wanderers’ fifth after an hour’s play and Katie

Miller’s close-range header made it 6-0 moments later.

Birkenhead, who played some neat passing football throughout, forced a fine save out of Whites keeper Brit Jackson, who had to be alert to tip a fierce shot over the bar.

But the visitors failed to muster any consolation and Kirkman-Ryan completed the scoring three minutes from time with another smart finish in a one-on-one with the keeper.

It was Wanderers’ 15th win of the league campaign and Butler is quick to pay tribute to the players who have worked hard and deserve every ounce of their success.

“It is all down to the players, it’s a great achievement for everyone,” he said.

“They have shown they are the best players in the league, they have performed throughout the year and dug in where other sides might not have done.

“When you have an unbeaten run everyone you play wants to end it and get one over on you, so it has not been easy.

“And we won’t stop, we have ambitions to reach the Premier League so we will continue to work hard and get our preparation for next season done as early as we can too.”

There is still much to play for as the Bolton ladies are in line to complete a league and cup double.

Should they avoid the unthinkable in the league they will be able to add the League Cup to their silverware collection when they face Liverpool side MSB Woolton on May 14.

Wanderers’ reserve team lost their League Cup second-round tie at Morecambe, despite Billie Boardman firing them ahead late in the first half.

Boardman’s strike soared past the home keeper to give the Whites the lead at half-time.

But two quickfire goals from Morecambe saw them to a 2-1 win.Wanderers have a chance to make amends when they return to Morecambe for a league game this weekend.

There was some cup joy for the club as Bolton reached the final of the Under-17s Cup, winning 2-1 at Glossop.

In a physical battle in difficult conditions Wanderers were rarely troubled at the back and took the lead late in the first half, Ellie Mills following up her parried shot from the edge of the box to score from the rebound.

Bolton also dominated possession in the second half but conceded an equaliser from a set-piece, Glossop bundling the ball over the line from a corner.

A good passing move produced the winning goal, Chloe Greenall sending her side through to the final with a smart finish to secure a much deserved victory.