Bolton's youngsters impress in their opening game of the season against the Gunners
Wanderers’ under-18 side started their new campaign in spectacular fashion, comprehensively beating their Arsenal counterparts at the Lostock Academy on Saturday afternoon.
Milk Cup Golden Boot winner Zach Clough opened the scoring with a low drive from the edge of the area after some sloppy defending from the north London outfit.
Elliot Newby then doubled Bolton’s lead in spectacular style. As Arsenal cleared the ball from a set piece, Newby displayed incredible technique to strike a full volley from all of 30 yards into Arsenal ‘keeper Josh Vickers’ far corner.
Early in the second period Clough added Bolton’s third, capping a slick passing move with a delicate finish before helping create the fourth moments later.
Clough lashed a free-kick goalwards which Vickers failed to hold, with Tom Youngs on hand to convert the rebounds from close range.
The diminutive frontman Clough continued to impress and was unlucky not to net what would have been a hat-trick goal with a looping long-ranger that came back off the bar.
Youngs added his second and Bolton’s fifth from the penalty spot, before the Gunners netted a late consolation through Jon Toral.
Wanderers:Ole-Sievers, Bailey, Holding, Maher, Matthews, Woodland, Wolstenholme, Youngs, Newby, Iliev, Clough