ONLY 47 days after Bolton's heady triumph in the play-off final at Cardiff, business was resumed with the first pre-season friendly at non-league neighbours Radcliffe Borough.

As expected Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff took the opportunity to give run outs to more than 30 players.

A mixture of seasoned pro's, academy graduates and hopeful trialists meant that in effect three separate sides played for approximately 30 minutes each.

Two of Bolton's summer signings made their debuts in Bolton colours. Nicky Southall, looked neat and busy in midfield, giving quick service to his front runners, Ricketts and the French trialist Quedec.

Caused problems

Hendrik Pedersen entered the fray for the latter stages and caused Radcliffe's defenders a number of problems with his pace. His work off the ball was impressive and he struck up a useful partnership with Newcastle's Kevin Gallacher.

Of the other trialists, two were goalkeepers but neither really had much chance to impress but perhaps the one to catch the eye was Congo-born, Swiss international full back, Lubamba, whose searing pace could give Sam good defensive options should he take the matter further.

For the record, the game ended with a 3-1 result in favour of the Wanderers. After Radcliffe had taken a 10th minute lead with a scorching 25 yard effort from Kelly, Bolton drew level four minutes later via a delicate chip from triallist Quedec before second half goals from Holdsworth and Gallacher settled matters.