BOLTON Under-15s reached the third round of the Manchester Schools Cup with a dominant 3-0 victory over Macclesfield.

The local lads were in control throughout but it needed an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Charlie Fletcher to deny the home side hope of getting something out of the game.

Bolton, coached by Daryl Thomas and Will Pacey, went ahead on 10 minutes when Rivington and Blackrod's Saul Gouffran's cross was met by a powerful far-post header from striker Harry Waterhouse of Thornleigh.

His strike partner Keelan McCabe (St Josephs) doubled the lead 10 minutes later when he slotted home the rebound after Turton's Eddie Baldwin's cross went over the keeper and hit the post.

Bolton were the better team with Canon Slade's Matt Bradford outstanding in central midfield, but they could not extend their lead – and needed Rivington and Blackrod's Fletcher in top form to ensure it remained 2-0 until 10 minutes from time when Thornleigh's Rocco Vivace latched on to a long through ball from captain Joe Pennington (Thornleigh) and fired his shot through the legs of the home keeper.

Coach Thomas said: "It was a good performance and we could have scored more.

"We hit the post a couple of times and had a couple of efforts cleared off the line.

"Charlie Fletcher was brilliant in goal as well. He made three one-on-one saves, but we were dominant for most of the game."