Bolton Wanderers Women produced a sensational performance to beat Curzon Ashton 14-0 in a behind-closed-doors league fixture at Lostock on Sunday afternoon.
Abbie Brown led the way with a stunning double hat-trick, but the afternoon was equally significant for the return of Kayleigh McDonald, who made her debut and first appearance in 610 days following a long-term injury.
Wanderers took control immediately. Lucy Walsh floated a ball over the Curzon defence for Abbie Brown to slot home the opener. The lead was doubled when Charlotte Tyers’ corner caused panic in the box, allowing Natasha Dale to convert.
Sienna Limbert, making her first start for the club, scored her first goal moments later. Great link-up play between Ella Tweedle and Poppy Wallis saw the ball fired across the goal for Limbert to finish. Brown then added her second, finishing clinically after Limbert won possession back high up the pitch.
The goals continued to flow. Poppy Wallis struck from the edge of the 18-yard box following a clearance, before Charlotte Tyers made it six, striking into the far corner after a successful counter-press.
Brown completed her hat-trick with a superb 20-yard strike and added her fourth of the half shortly after, converting a cross from Wallis. Ella Tweedle made it 9-0 before the interval, collecting a pass from Brown and turning her marker inside the box to score.
Tom Cunniff's side maintained their intensity after the break. Jess Nwachukwu cut the ball back for Brown to score her fifth of the afternoon. Nwachukwu then registered her first goal for Wanderers, meeting a Madison Hardman cross at the back post.
Zara Plano added the twelfth with excellent individual play, using quick feet on the edge of the box to create space and fire home with her left foot.
The biggest positive of the day came late on as Kayleigh McDonald drove forward on her return to action, slipping Brown in for her sixth goal. Madison Hardman completed the scoring, finishing a cross from Brown to seal a 14-0 victory.
The result secured a fourth consecutive league clean sheet for Annabelle White and the defensive unit.
Head Coach Tom Cunniff said: “This was a fantastic and professional team performance from all our players and credit must also go to Curzon Ashton for their efforts today in difficult circumstances.
“I’d like to give a special mention for Kayleigh McDonald who has worked so hard behind the scenes to finally make her debut after such a long time out injured.”
Match Stats:
Goals: Brown (6), Dale, Limbert, Wallis, Tyers, Tweedle, Nwachukwu, Plano, Hardman.
Milestones: First goals for Limbert and Nwachukwu. Competitive return for McDonald (610 days).