AFTER their promotion party, Bolton Wanderers Ladies kept themselves ticking over with a 4-0 friendly victory over Crewe Reserves.

The Cheshire side, whose first team had won the league last season, handed over the trophy in pre-match.

But with one league game and a cup final left to play, John Oliver was able to experiment with his line-up and offer opportunities to some of the younger players.

Wanderers took the lead when Ruby Howard’s corner was turned into her own net by the Crewe keeper and were frustrated in their efforts to score a second until Michelle Kirkman-Ryan snapped up a chance just before half time.

Millie Critchley made an encouraging debut after signing from Mosley Hill and though the Whites continued to create chances, they lacked the killer touch shown for much of the season.

A raft of substitutions changed the game again and after Shel Saunders scored with a bullet header, Hayley Langford completed the scoring with a well-taken half-volley.

Missi Chappell’s first-half effort was enough to earn the reserve team a 1-1 draw at St Joseph’s. Courtney Blair also had a late shot cleared off the line.

The development squad took a commanding 6-2 lead against Flixton in the first leg of the Chairman’s Cup semi-final, despite falling behind early on.

Stacey Saunders stepped up with five goals on the day, Charlotte Jackson adding a sixth to give them a big advantage going into Sunday’s home tie.

Wanderers’ Under-16s were pegged back a couple of times by Darwen but ended up beating their neighbours 6-4.

Antonia Kelly was the start of the show, bagging a hat-trick, with Maddie Blackburn (two) and Emily Kirkby also on the scoresheet.