THERE were big wins for Bolton's second teams this week with the ladies continuing their dream of winning the league with a 5-2 victory against Glossop, while the men's second team hit double figures when they ran out 10-0 winners against bottom side Wigan.

The ladies' first team put in a spirited performance but were beaten 4-3 away to Morpeth, while both the men's first and third team games were called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Harper Green.

Victory for the ladies' second team at Glossop moved them level on points with table toppers Heaton Ladies as they continued to build momentum in Greater Manchester Hockey Association Women’s Division Two.

The hosts seized the early initiative to score the opening goal when they capitalised on Bolton's lacklustre start.

But the visitors regained their composure when Jenny Brookfield hammered home the equaliser.

Emma Girt skilfully bypassed the Glossop keeper to give Bolton the lead but the hosts levelled once again.

Jude Gough swept the ball into the goal from the tightest of angles as a rejuvenated Bolton took advantage of Glossop’s mistakes early in the second period.

Bolton were on the attack again as Brookfield struck the ball with precision past Glossop’s keeper and when Fiona Clarke powerfully injected the ball just wide of the goal, Rachael Gibb was able to effortlessly spin out of the way of danger and provide Bolton with their fifth goal in the last minute of the game.

Bolton will be eager to maintain their title push and build on their three-game winning streak when they host University of Manchester Women’s thirds on February 20.

The ladies' first team put in a spirited performance but were beaten 4-3 at Morpeth Ladies in the North Hockey Women’s League Division One.

After a lengthy journey up the M6, Bolton got off to the worst possible start conceding two goals within the first 10 minutes.

The visitors stepped up to the mantle, applying pressure and making lead runs, which paid off when Helen Bowden scored a fantastic goal from a reverse shot.

However, Morpeth responded scoring a third goal from an early break a couple of minutes before half time.

Bolton came roaring back with June Fenton scoring a second goal from a short corner within the first few minutes of the restart.

And the visitors sustained the tempo with a sharp passing move resulting in a third goal scored by Jess Harwood.

Bolton continued to press hard, determined to score another goal to get a much-needed three points but the hosts managed to score a fourth goal from a short corner.

Despite a valiant battle, the visitors, who host league leaders Wakefield Ladies tomorrow, were unable to force an equaliser.

Jon Woods and Phil Johnston both scored twice as a dominant men's second team heaped more pressure on basement club Wigan in the North West Hockey League Division Five when they hit 10 without reply.

Bolton had three chances in the first five minutes to take the lead but failed to convert any.

The floodgates opened when Wigan finally succumbed to the sustained pressure and Bolton raced into a 5-0 half-time lead with goals from Woods, Johnston, Adam Anwar, Robert Lord and Max Frost.

Wigan started the second half positively but Bolton’s defence was rarely troubled.

Bolton doubled the half time score with five more goals from Reece Holmes, Keith Stanley, Chris Lord, Johnston and Woods.

Bolton will be looking to continue their rich vein of form as they head into the final five games of the season looking to chase down leaders Didsbury 5s, starting with South Manchester at home tomorrow.