THERE were mixed results for Bolton's hockey teams when they returned to action following the festive break.

The men's first team made a miserable start to 2016 with two 6-3 away defeats at Prescot and Carlisle. There was better news for the men's second team who came back with a bang from the mid-season break with an 8-1 home win over Prescot, while the ladies' first team fought hard in their first game back only to fall to a 3-1 defeat against Harrogate.

Bolton men's first team started poorly against current North West League Division Three North leaders Prescot on Saturday.

Eighth-placed Bolton found themselves 2-0 down before showing great spirit to come back to 2-2 at half time with goals from Tom White and Rob Davies.

Bolton switched off in the second period as the table-toppers increased their lead to 6-2 before Carl Philbin scored a late consolation for the visitors.

Bolton enjoyed a better start to their second game of the weekend at third-placed Carlisle on Sunday.

The visitors took the lead twice, 1-0 and then 2-1, with both goals scored by forward Damien Pearse.

But before half time Carlisle were leading 3-2.

Bolton found themselves 6-2 down in the second period before centre-back Toby Jones scored another late consolation from a rare forward run.

First team captain Mathew Gaskell is hoping his side can get back to winning ways at home to Rochdale on Saturday.

"The team played well in patches but we need to show this throughout the 70 minutes and I'm sure we can do that in the next game," he said.

Bolton men's second team dominated play against struggling Prescot in Division Five North/South to record an 8-1 win.

The third-placed visitors started slowly, but following a series of good attacking play and short corners, made the pressure count.

Captain Phil Johnston scored twice and Chris Lord tucked away on the back post before Prescot also scored from a short corner.

Bolton pressed home their advantage in the second half with two further goals from Keith Stanley another from Jon Woods as the visitors racked up their fifth goal from short corners.

Richard Coles added the finishing touch to a well worked team move before Johnston completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Bolton ladies' first team conceded an early penalty stroke against Harrogate in North League Division One but created plenty of first half chances.

June Fenton had a shot saved before Harrogate extended their lead within the first five minutes of the second period.

Claire Wilson grabbed a goal back but Harrogate put the game beyond Bolton with a third goal late on.