Bolton Wanderers Women are back in action on Wednesday evening when facing FC United of Manchester, looking for an instant response to their opening weekend defeat.
Wanderers Women were edged out 2-1 on Sunday afternoon by a resolute Darwen side in a game that could and probably should have resulted in points at the Multevo Anchor Ground.
Wanderers conceded two first half goals, with Faye Knox’s strike just before half-time then reducing the deficit, but couldn’t break down the Darwen defence in the second half to take anything home with them.
It was the first step into the Premier Division of the North West Women’s Regional League for Myles Smith’s side following promotion last year, and went toe-to-toe with the side that finished 2nd in 2024/25.
With six debutants on the day for Wanderers (Lucy Walsh, Heidi Clark, Zara Plano, Natasha Dale, Evie Sadler and Sanah Mehdi), there were shoots of life in a new-looking side that wants to continue the forward momentum gained last season.
With the recent arrival of new coaching staff - including Republic of Ireland international Megan Campbell - to Smith’s backroom team, there is plenty reasons to be optimistic for the rest of campaign.
Attention now turns to tomorrow and the visit of FC United to Victory Park - Wanderers Women's home for the 2025/26 season - looking to get their first points on the board.
With four games to be played between now and the end of August, the Whites will be hoping to build a run of results together - starting on Wednesday evening - that can kickstart their season in positive fashion.
The visitors will also be hoping to get their season up and running in midweek, as they were beaten by Poulton Vics last weekend - losing out 1-0 on the Wirral.
Wanderers can also confirm that for home fixtures at Victory Park this season, admission prices will be introduced - priced at just £3 for adults, £1 concessions and under 8s going free.
This will be through cash-only turnstiles at Victory Park for every home fixture. No card payments will be accepted for entry.
Full details of the game are as follows:
Fixture: Bolton Wanderers Women v FC United of Manchester Women
Date: Wednesday 20th August
Time: 7:30pm kick-off
Location: Victory Park, Duke Street, Chorley, PR7 3DU
Price: £3 Adults, £1 Concessions, Under 8s Free (CASH ONLY)
Refreshments: Bar will be open for supporters to use
Parking: Limited in and around Victory Park, lot of parking available in Chorley town centre - where parking is FREE after 1pm on Sundays and after 5pm midweek.