Bolton Wanderers Women were made to show true determination and character on Sunday afternoon, with a Jess Lighfoot brace ensuring a come from behind 2-1 victory over Haslingden Girls and Ladies in front of over 500 Wanderers supporters.
Myles Smith's side headed into the fixture with a perfect record, with four wins from their opening four games to see themselves as the early pacesetters at the top of Division One North in the North West Regional Women's League - therefore headed into this fixture in positive mood.
Wanderers made four changes to the side victorious over Hindley Juniors Women last week, with Annabelle White, Lexi Williams, Milla Hodson and Lily Barnes all coming into the starting line-up at the Dreams2Reality Stadium - home of Atherton Collieries.
Despite the game being played in torrential conditions, Wanderers started on the front foot regardless, easing into their possession-based style but struggling to apply the finish to their free-flowing football.
Lightfoot, who was a constant threat throughout the game for the away side, tested the reactions of Jorja Finegan in the Haslingden goal inside five minutes with a smart turn on the edge of the area opening up the space for her to shoot but the 'keeper made a smart save down to her left.
Wanderers came even closer to opening the scoring when Hodson, an outlet for the hosts in the wing-back position all afternoon, beat her opponent to burst into the area and fire an effort that looked destined for the top corner but the crossbar denied her - cannoning off the woodwork and away from danger.
Charlotte Tyers was next to test the Haslingden defence, with the attacking midfielder scooping up a loose ball on the edge of the area and looked to find the bottom corner but a fortunate deflection turned the ball into the Finegan's path to make the save.
With a number of chances spurned, Wanderers were made to pay when the away side took the lead with 25 minutes on the clock. A long ball over the top combined with miscommunication in the Whites' back-line caused confusion and Bethany Macdonald looped an effort over White to find the net and give the away side the lead against the run of play.
The goal did nothing to deter Wanderers from their gameplan and philosophy, continuing to probe for openings to get themselves back on level terms. The away side were resolute in their shape and Eleanor Seals fired a free-kick wide on the half-hour looking for a response, but it was not until the stroke of half-time that Wanderers found their equaliser.
Captain Katie Holt spotted space in behind the Haslingden defence and played a ball over-the-top for Lightfoot to chase down. She beat Finegan to the ball to nudge it past her, before applying a confident finish at the second attempt to ensure Wanderers went in all square at the break.
With the goal providing a platform for Wanderers to build from at the start of the second half, they went in search of a second goal from the opening minute.
Hodson once more beat her defender to drive towards goal and fire a low effort searching for the bottom corner but another huge block from close range by Finegan kept the away side on level terms.
But the Whites were relentless in their work and reaped the rewards in the 56th minute when the same duo combined to put the home side in front.
Holt's perfectly placed ball was perfect for Lightfoot in-behind, who used her pace to get in front of her defender for a one-on-one opportunity, finishing emphatically into the bottom corner.
Haslingden, who have provided stern opposition for all sides they have faced this season with a number of experienced players, continued to test Wanderers' resolve. However, Myles Smith's side remained strong - despite not facing any real scoring opportunities - to ride out a period of pressure from the visitors.
Emme Shone, one of the substitutes brought on in the second half to help secure victory, went in search of a third goal with a driven effort that skidded along the rain-soaked pitch but another smart save ensured the advantage remained at just one.
Chances inside the final 15 minutes came at a premium - setting up a tight and tense finish - but Wanderers held on and battled immensely to claim the three-points and ensure a fifth consecutive victory to open up the 2024/25 campaign.
Wanderers: White (GK), E.Williams, L. Williams, Holt ©, Baldwin, Hodson, Barnes, Seals, M. Smith, Tyers, Lightfoot
Subs used: Ardin (46), Shone (66), Ball (70) Harman (83), E. Smith (85)
Haslingden: Finegan, Ogunby, Berwick, Atkinson, Whalley, Smith, Evans, Young, Edmondson, Rodriguez, Macdonald.
Subs: Pusey, Barker, McHardy
Attendance: 507