A NEW-LOOK Old Boltonians team is starting to gain momentum, just in time, according to manager Steve Eccleshare.

Old Bolts have had significant changes to the squad but Eccleshare says the collective, with close to two dozen players, is gelling nicely ahead of them taking on champions Mostonians this weekend.

They warmed up for that crunch clash with a 6-0 derby demolition of Little Lever, with two goals apiece for Matt McLellan, Colin Magee and Rob Taylor.

And their manager feels this year’s Premier Division title can go to any one of eight or nine clubs in the toughest season to predict in recent years.

“We have changed our team round a lot but we’re starting to gel now so we’re looking forward to each game, we’re building our understanding and the friendships within the squad,” he said. “We’ve got a massive squad now, and it’s strong too.

“On Saturday we had nine regular first-team players missing, so it’s going to be tough to keep everyone happy but that’s my problem. If anyone was to walk because they don’t play a game or two that’s okay because I want players who will work hard, be supportive and wait for the chance.

“Little Lever are a good side too, they’ve beaten some good teams so it’s a great result for us, we were well prepared and badly wanted to win. The only downside was a busted nose for Warby [Dave Warburton]. We think it’s the biggest nose in the league so the blood coming out could have waterlogged the pitch if it was grass, not the 3G we were on.

“There won’t be any easy games this season, whoever wins the league will have had to turn up and perform every week without fail. If it turns out not to be us I’ll congratulate the winners because it’s a strong division this time.

“I want us to put a run together early on, get the lads’ confidence up and see where we can go.”

Elsewhere in the LAL, Blackrod Town were beaten 4-0 at Rochdale St Clements in the Premier Division while there was also defeat for Horwich RMI in Division One, as they lost 2-0 at Radcliffe Town.

There was victory for Divison One leaders Bolton Wyresdale, however, as they ran out 3-0 winners at home to Ashtonians, with Milo Horrocks (two) and Kyle Bailey netting.

In the West Lancashire League Premier Division Tempest United had their third away win of the season, 2-1 at Whitehaven.

Peter Lancaster put them ahead after five minutes and Luke Skelly scored the winner seven minutes from time.

Turton were also in action on the road but came home from Thornton Cleveleys empty-handed after a 4-1 defeat, Gedeao Varella’s late goal providing their only consolation.

Dan Crook was spot-on as CMB enjoyed a 6-1 win at home to Crooklands Casuals in Division One. Crook scored three goals, all from the penalty spot, with others coming from Matthew Chapman, Charlie Scholes and Chris McCory.

Eagley and Stoneclough completed a clean sweep for local clubs in the division, with the Eagles running out 4-2 winners at Millom – Lee Bancroft, Bailey Wallace, Jacob Greenhalgh and Zac Clarke scoring – while Stoneclough’s Dane Barlow got the only goal at home to Hawcoat Park.

Horwich St Marys Victoria lead the way in Division Two after their 3-1 victory over Furness Cavaliers, courtesy of Joby Patel, Matthew Woods and Scott Adamson.

In the Manchester League Premier Division, Jordan McLoughlin hit a hat-trick as Bolton County thumped Chadderton reserves 7-1, Tom Aspen (two), Josh Evans and Godwin May also on target.

But there were defeats for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, 2-1 at home to Heywood St James, and Breightmet United’s newly-assembled team, who were beaten 13-0 by Irlam Steel.