BOLTON’S ladies were left disappointed by a 5-3 defeat to Crewe, despite dominating a game they feel they should have won.

Bolton took a 1-0 lead inside five minutes, Ali Toft deflecting in a drilled hit from Vicky Dean from outside the D. However, two Crewe goals in quick succession; one from a short corner and one from a stunning flick in open play, soon put them ahead.

Bolton regained their composure and brought themselves level with a powerful undercut strike by Jenny Neville. Crewe had their goalkeeper to thank as she frustrated Bolton with a succession of saves and they capitalised by regaining the lead on a quick break to lead 3-2 at half time.

Bolton pressed hard in the second half but each attack was thwarted by the impressive Crewe keeper. Despite Bolton’s pressure and eagerness to convert, Crewe yet again punished Bolton in a quick-break attack, taking a 4-2 lead. Downhearted, but not deterred, Bolton did not give up and their dominance was finally rewarded with a reverse-stick sweep from Jenny Bromley following great play by man-of-the-match Vicky Dean.

Bolton continued to press for the equaliser, before history repeated itself, with with seconds remaining Crewe grabbed a fifth goal on a break to run out 5-3 winners.

The result leaves the girls fifth in the North Hockey Association South West Division Two.

Bolton’s second team came from behind to win a highly-anticipated derby at home to Bury.

The visitors’ goal was the only score in the first half.

Bolton pushed hard early in the second half and Debbie Green sharply injected the ball from the right hand side toward the stick of Rachael Gibb who accurately placed the ball passed the keeper into the bottom corner of the goal.

Energised by Gibb’s goalBolton went on the attack once again and when Gibb powered the ball towards goal Amy Selfe showed good poise at the post to ensure the ball crossed the line and took Bolton into a 2-1 lead.

Bolton sealed victory with Laura Watson’s commanding strike from the left, bypassing Bury’s fervent defence straight into the goal.

The victory puts Bolton third in Division Two of the Greater Manchester Women’s Hockey League.