WANDERERS Ladies will be stepping out at the University of Bolton Stadium in a league game for the first time in their history on Sunday.

Barnsley provide the opposition for the final home game of their maiden Northern Division One campaign in what is the first competitive women’s game played at the new stadium.

Manager Chris Knights expects there to be a feeling of occasion among the team and staff in the build-up – and hopes season ticket holders and Wanderers fans can be tempted to sample the game.

“We’ve had some great support this season at Atherton Colls but there will be Bolton fans who have not been down to see us before and this will be a great showcase,” he said. “We know there will be a lot of family and friends there, and people who maybe come down once or twice to see how we’re getting on but we really want Bolton Wanderers fans who have never seen us play to get down and have a look.

“We want to show how things have changed, how the team has improved, and I think it’ll be a good game.”

Wanderers have enjoyed great success in the cup competitions this season but the backlog of fixtures did impact on their league campaign.

“It fizzled out a bit in the end,” said Knights. “Injuries and fatigue were difficult to deal with and the girls have work commitments alongside the football, so it has been hard work. But a game like this will give everyone a spark, I’m sure.”

The club is restructuring off the field and is due to announce some exciting plans this summer intended to push them forward even further.

“If we want to attract a higher calibre of player in the future we have to make sure the foundations are right, and that we have the structure to move forward,” Knights said. “This game is a good step in the right direction because there aren’t too many clubs in the division who have had access to the men’s main stadium like this.

“There will be some nerves and excitement about in both teams, I think, but we’re really looking forward to it and I hope people can come down and enjoy an afternoon of football.”

Entry is free to season ticket holders, Under-16s and members of the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust, otherwise adult tickets are £3. Kick-off is 2pm.