Just a week after the two sides last met, Wanderers walked away with all three points on both occasions, following a 6-2 victory this afternoon at Lostock Training Ground. The victory marked Wanderers’ final home fixture of the season, with just two away games remaining to see the season out.
With a hattrick of goals from Ella Tweedle, her second in the last two outings, along with a spectacular 33 yard finish from Flo Rigby and Ellie Thomas-Leek finding the goal from a corner.
The Whites couldn’t have asked for a better start and were ahead inside the opening three minutes. A superb through ball from Ellie Thomas-Leek released Poppy Wallis into the area, who squared for Ella Tweedle to calmly slot home and give Wanderers the early advantage.
Poulton attempted to respond shortly after, but Annabelle White was alert between the posts to produce a strong save from the visitors’ Ceri Holder to keep Bolton in front.
Wanderers continued to push forward and doubled their lead from a set-piece. An inviting delivery from Ellie Thomas-Leek corner into the penalty area found Ella Tweedle, who rose highest to power a header into the net for her second goal of the afternoon.
Just ten minutes later, Flo Rigby from distance unleashed a stunning 33-yard effort that flew into the net to extend Wanderers’ lead in spectacular fashion.
In the 39th minute, Ellie Thomas-Leek’s corner went straight into the net, with the goalkeeper getting a touch but unable to keep it out.
Just before the break it looked like Natasha Dale was going to make it five, but frustratingly her effort was tipped over the bar by the Poulton keeper.
Heading into half time, Wanderers sat with a comfortable lead, mirroring the previous weekends half-time score line.
At the break, there was a double change for Wanderers, Zara Plano and Kayleigh McDonald came into the fold for Flo Rigby and Lucy Walsh.
Wanderers came out of the gate hunting for another goal, and continued to control proceedings, but were frustratingly caught in an off-side position numerous times within the opening 15 minutes of the second half.
Ella Tweedle secured her hattrick on the 49th minute, and Wanderers were keeping the pressure on the Poulton defence. Zara Plano came close to getting on the score sheet for Wanderers, just a few minutes into the second half, but the Poulton keeper kept her attempt at bay.
At the other end, Poulton threatened briefly, but Annabelle White produced another excellent stop to deny an effort from the visitors’ Sophie Coward.
On the 57th minute Poulton got a goal back in the form of Hollie Evans, much to Wanderers frustration. The visitors then continued to press, and were looking to spoil Wanderers afternoon.
Just after the hour mark, Poulton were threating to find a second, an attempt that was cleared off the line by Zara Plano to deny the visitors another goal.
On the 75th minute they would get their second of the afternoon through Sophie Coward.
Just two minutes later, Bolton retaliated with a goal from Poppy Wallis sealing the win for Wanderers, restoring calm to a challenging second half.
Despite the late pressure and more of a physical battle, and with the visitors coming getting back two goals, Wanderers managed to hold onto their comfortable lead and walk away with all three points.
The victory marked Wanderers’ final home fixture of the season, bringing the curtain down on their campaign at home. With just two away games remaining, the Whites will now look to carry this momentum into the final stages of the season as they push towards the campaign’s conclusion.
Wanderers: White, Leigh, Walsh (C), Smith, Philpott, Rigby, Dale, Limbert, Thomas-Leek, Wallis, Tweedle
Subs: Tyers, Cambell, Hodson, Plano, McDonald
Poulton Vics: France, Holder, Jones, Fairfield, Brooks, Locke, O'Looney, Prescott, Wright, Evans, Coward
Subs: Ralin, Wycherley, Collins, Beattie
Report by Katherine Byrne. Pictures by Jake Horrocks.