RUBY Howard’s hat-trick helped Wanderers’ reserves string back-to-back wins together for the first time since moving into the Premier League.

With the first team’s game at CMB called off because of a waterlogged pitch, the focus shifted to the second string, who had to fight hard for a 6-3 win at Brighouse.

The lead exchanged a number of times early in the game as Shellby Wolstencroft, Ellie Mills and Ellie Hunt kept the Whites in contention.

The reserves face last year’s league winners Blackburn Rovers on Sunday at Little Lever (2pm kick-off).

Wanderers’ Under-21s slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Penrith in the North West Regional League but were pleased with their performance, given the team was primarily made up of players aged under 18.

Lucy Ward scored a hat-trick for the Under-18s as they beat Crosby in the West Lancashire League.

Becky Ravenscroft and Antonia Kelly also helped themselves to two goals apiece in a game which was closer than the score-line might suggest.

Elsewhere, there was a 3-3 draw for the Under-15s at Urmston Meadowside and a comprehensive 8-0 win for the Under-14s against Myerscough, which means they have won three out of three in the North Valley League this season.

This week’s fixtures: CMB v Wanderers (FA Cup third qualifying round) at the Eddie Davies Academy, Lostock, 2pm kick-off.

Reserves v Blackburn Rovers – Sunday, 2pm, Little Lever School.

Leigh RMI v BWFC U21s - Sunday, 2pm, Leigh Sports Village.