Wanderers U18s succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Stoke City at the weekend, as the Potters gained revenge for their 2-0 reverse against the Trotters in the corresponding fixture back in January.

A first half curling shot from the edge of the penalty area by midfielder Danny Stockhall was the only difference between the two sides in a lively clash at the Michelin Sports Ground.

However the Whites were a fraction away from grabbing a last-gasp equaliser when Aaron Mooy skimmed the outside of the post with a free-kick from 25 yards.

Earlier in the game, Marcos Michail had been denied by a last-ditch tackle from Stoke defender Ashley Page whilst Darren Brunt prevented his own team mate Andy Nicholls from doubling the hosts' lead by inadvertently blocking his compatriot's shot.

The result leaves Bolton bottom of the table in the Barclays Academy Premier League with 14 points from their 17 games played.

But despite the league standings Peter Farrell isn't too concerned going into the final few months of the season.

He said: "If we had been playing badly and not performing then I would be very concerned, but I'm not too worried because we have had players who have been in the reserve set-up and we've had a good run in the FA Youth Cup.

"On Saturday it was a bit scrappy in the first half and the pitch wasn't really that good, so it wasn't a surface where we could play football. We were losing 1-0 at half-time but in the second half we came out and gave it a go, dominated possession but we just didn't create enough chances.



"We didn't deserve to lose the game, but it's been like that on many occasions this season. We've played some good stuff and then a silly little error has cost us games. I'm sure the lads will learn from that because that's what it's all about at this level.

"It's disappointing that we couldn't make some ground on Stoke because they are near the bottom of the league too. It's very frustrating that we can do so well in the Youth Cup and then so poorly in the league, especially considering that over the last few years it has always been the opposite way around.

"Being bottom of the league is a harsh reflection because every team that we have played, except Manchester United, we've had more possession and more chances.

"A lot of the boys have been playing in the reserves, so if they have been playing on a Thursday then they don't play for me on a Saturday. But my job is all about development and so the more lads that I see in the reserve set-up then the better for us.

"That could be one reason why we have done so well in the Youth Cup because six or seven of these lads have been playing regular football in the second string, and so when we go to these big stadiums and compete against the better players, they are prepared. In the past we've had lads who have gone on to the big stage and they just freeze.

"When I go watching the reserve games, you ask yourself 'can these lads handle it?' and there's three or four who can. Hopefully in a few years time they can handle getting into the first team squad because that's what it is all about."