BILL Prendergast admitted his young guns were well beaten by six-shooters Bolton Wanderers in Radcliffe Borough's first match of the pre-season.

But the new Boro coach is confident his youthful side will benefit from the experience following the 6-0 defeat at Taurus Park.

The Boro players ranged in age from 23 to 15 on Saturday, with Prendergast putting the emphasis on development.

And he believes tough encounters against high-quality opposition like Bolton are the only way they will learn.

"I had to hand it to Bolton on Saturday, they were absolutely terrific," said Prendergast.

"They were professional throughout, well disciplined and just got on with it.

"As the goal went in, they could have started to take the mickey, but they didn't.

"They just stuck to their task, played some great football but were always very respectful.

"We could not have asked any more from Bolton and it was just the sort of match I was hoping for.

"There is no point giving our young lads an easy ride of it through pre-season then getting rolled over as soon as the season starts.

"I want more games like this because that is how our lads will grow.

"This is a very young squad, and that is by design.

"Our oldest player was 23 and our youngest was 15.

"It will obviously take time for the message to get through but they will improve."

Prendergast was also pleased with the turnout on the day, with more than 360 fans answering his call to check out the new-look Boro outfit.

The pre-season programme continues with another home game on Saturday against Runcorn Linnets (kick off 3pm) and a match at home to Stalybridge Celtic next week.

And the Boro boss has promised not to waver from his commitment to "front-foot" football.

"I can promise that, no matter the opposition, we will not veer from our philosophy," he said.

"That is to play football on the front foot, with our full-backs bombing on and the emphasis on attack.

"Anyone who comes to our matches will see that, right from the word go."

Prendergast was eager not to single out any player in his new-look team after taking his number of summer signings to 22.

There were a number of new faces on show on Saturday, however, with the sizeable frame of former Northwich Victoria striker Abou Sonogo impossible to miss.

l Boro's fixtures for the season are due to be announced this week, following on from the draw for the main FA competition.

The Taurus Park outfit will travel to Evo-Stik First Division North rivals Droylsden in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on August 20, and they will host Farsley Celtic on the same round of the FA Trophy on October 8.