A LAST-minute goal secured a 3-2 win for Bolton Hockey Club’s women’s firsts against Lymm to keep them top of North West Women’s Two South.

Bolton started on the front foot, despite the strong winds and wintry conditions, and began with pace and a high press from the defence keeping Lymm pinned into their own half.

This allowed the Bolton forwards to create multiple chances.

However, they found themselves behind midway through the first half when Lymm earned a penalty corner against the run of play.

A goalmouth scuffle saw the Lymm forward reach and manage to poke the ball home.

Bolton battled back with some excellent passages of play, with high work rate from all the players.

Goalkeeper Nyemh Johnson was on hand again making strong saves with both her hands and feet to keep any Lymm attempts at bay.

With only a few minutes to go before the half-time whistle, and Lymm still leading 1-0, Bolton upped the pressure.

A quick sideline ball from Fiona Clarke found Chrystal Swaries in the Lymm 23. Swaries drew a foul just inside the D forcing a penalty corner, Bolton’s first of the match, and a well-executed move saw Yaz Aldcroft inject the ball to the top of the D.

Emily Wilkes trapped the ball for Lu Bull to pick up and dispatch a drag flick straight past the Lymm defence and keeper in to the right side of the net drawing Bolton level.

The second half got under way with both teams eager to get the upper hand.

Chloe Frost, at right midfield for Bolton, made some great tackles, always fighting for the ball and running the line to create chances.

Frost was supported by Becky Varney at right-back, the two working well together double teaming the Lymm forwards with Frost coming away with the ball.

Advancing out of her own half, Frost found Swaries in the middle of the pitch, the ball was worked well down the right with Angelie Chitre cutting through the Lymm line before finding Bull in an advanced position.

Bull found herself one-on-one with the Lymm goalkeeper, but remained composed to calmly slot it home through the keeper’s legs to give Bolton a 2-1 lead.

With 10 minutes to go, Lymm looked for a long-ball option.

Bolton’s defensive press had stood strong but on this occasion the ball found a way through to a Lymm forward at the top of the Bolton D.

Despite the heroic effort of goalkeeper Johnson forcing the Lymm player wide, they managed to convert from a tight angle to draw level.

The last few minutes of the game saw Bolton find another gear as they searched for that match-winning opportunity.

Alex Roe dominated at left-back and defended the ball strongly, coming away from a strong tackle with possession before advancing up the pitch, beating Lymm’s defensive players and with some great skill she won Bolton another penalty corner.

Jenny Brookfield sent the ball into the top of the D for Bull who managed to get a shot off that was saved by the stretching Lymm goalkeeper.

The rebound was fired back across the D where Brookfield smashed it home from close range to secure Bolton’s win.

Roe was Bolton’s player of the match after a hard-fought performance in the defensive line, making strong tackles and stopping Lymm’s forward players from creating opportunities on the right side, while also driving Bolton’s attack with her pace and vision.

Elsewhere, the women’s seconds hosted Stockport Bramhall women’s seconds in North West Women’s Four East and lost 5-1.

Stockport came out very strong and soon had Bolton on the defence and attacked the backline of Debbie Nicholson, Jo Tanner and Lucy Pickles taking tackle after tackle to stay well within Bolton’s 25.

Midfield were left to also defend with Erin Turner and Jude Gough having to play a more defence role.

Eventually the pressure was too great and breakaway goals were scored.

Forwards Emily Hawrigg, Viv Lake, Emma Begg and Mathilda Bainbridge did have some chances but were unable to find the net until Bainbridge was able slip by the post and tip the ball in the net.

Jess Flegg had some flawless runs into the Stockport 25 but again was unable to find the D.

Lucy Pickles was awarded player of the match after some solid tackles and fast-paced runs forward.

The defeat leaves the seconds fifth in the league.