Bolton Wanderers Women: Myles Smith on Challenge Cup victory

The Whites secured an emphatic 5-1 win at the County Ground in Leyland to secure their first silverware since moving under club operations.

Faye Knox set Bolton on course for victory with a stunning hat trick, while there were also goals for Lily Barnes and Grace Grundy.

“When I took this project over it was about trying to bring some success and silverware to this club, but it was also about making this group of players smile,” said Smith.

“If you look around tonight, all those smiles, they've worked so hard for this club all year. So to get that reward, I'm just buzzing for them.

“I'm delighted. Every player has played a part of that win, every player that wasn't in the 16 has played their part.

“We have a team of 27 players and you saw at the end, the rest of the players came onto the pitch to join in celebrations. That's really important because they've all helped to prepare. 

“They've either played in previous games or helped us prepare in training, and every single player should have their name on that trophy, all 27 of us.”

It was another superb performance by Knox, who has played a key role since the start of the campaign.

“What a player she is,” Smith added. “She has grown so much this season, it's unbelievable. I'm just so proud of her because she's got the ability to play at a really high level. 

“We are such a lucky team to have her. We're such a lucky team to have all 27 of them. 

“The players who came on, the players who didn't start, the players who did start, everybody was absolutely superb and it's what's got us the trophy.”

There were fantastic scenes after the final whistle as the players invited chairman Sharon Brittan to join their celebrations.

“The support tonight, it’s incredible,” the manager beamed. “Somebody told me there were 900 tickets sold.

“Throughout the game, we had chants going in and the Bolton fans were with us every single kick of the ball.

“Seeing the players with the fans signing the autographs, taking pictures, it's just unbelievable to see. 

“The support that the fans show for this club... we've had our owner, Sharon, travel over 200 miles to be with us.

“I've been at a few clubs and it's not often that happens. The support that she's shown – and Phil Mason and the rest of the club - has just been unbelievable from the day I've stepped through the door. 

“But we have to remain focused, we have to remain on task, and we have to know we have some work to do yet before we can fully enjoy it.”

Wanderers need one more push on Sunday when they face Accrington again in the league. This time, the Whites can secure the title with three points.

“We can't get complacent because of today's result. That's the biggest thing and that's what the players will be told when we get inside the dressing room,” Smith insisted.

“They have to enjoy tonight, not too much, but they have to enjoy it. They have to enjoy this moment now. 

“But then we have a game on Sunday and we said at the start of the year that we want this team to get promotion, we want to get the train moving and we want to kick on and get through the leagues. 

“We have to make sure that we're not complacent now when we get that train moving and the players will be told that. They've been superb all season so I expect them to go there wanting to get another win.”