BOLTON Hockey Club men's first team produced a big victory over second-top Golborne to keep their North West Division Three North promotion hopes alive.

After a fine early save by Bolton goalkeeper Matty Gaskell, Rob Lord coolly slotted home at the other end following a blistering counter-attack.

Golborne equalised from a well-worked short corner just before half time, but fifth-placed Bolton – for whom Richie Turner was outstanding at the back – won it with a goal from Damien Pearse.

Bolton ladies' first team also won, beating the team one place below them in North League Division Two South West, Crewe, 3-1 away.

Seventh-placed Bolton made it back-to-back wins with Crystal Swaries putting them ahead with a back-post deflection.

Crewe drew level just before half time with a short corner, but the visitors clinched victory with a short-corner goal from Lou Bull and a powerful strike on the run from the top of the D by Jenny Brookfields.

Bolton ladies' second team lost 2-1 at home to Greater Manchester League Division Two leaders Horwich first team.

Sixth-placed Bolton got off to a bad start by conceding a goal from a penalty flick after only 90 seconds.

They staged a determined response, with Jess Flegg and Fiona Clarke linking together to force a save from the Horwich keeper.

Bolton gained confidence and Deb Green and Rebecca Denton earned a handful or short corners.

Bolton impressed in the second half, with Imogen Hall and Jo Tanner catching the eye.

Amy Clarke kept the deficit down to one by clearing the ball from the goalline before the visitors made it 2-0.

Battling Bolton refused to give up and some skilful stick work from Viv Lake and Nat Boal earned a penalty corner which Lake struck into the bottom corner.

Bolton ladies' third team lost 5-1 in a home friendly to City of Manchester third team.

The positives came from an impressive performance by goalkeeping Jenny Salmon and a consolation goal by Lucy Griffiths.