Under-18s: West Ham 0-4 Wanderers

David Lee and Tony Kelly’s scholars have now moved eight points clear at the top of the table as the 4-0 win over West Ham United continued their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Seven wins have been recorded from the opening eight fixtures, with the only points dropped being a 2-2 draw with Norwich back in August.

The Hammers were brushed aside in comprehensive fashion – Elliot Newby, Luke Woodland, Zach Clough and Georg Iliev (above) netting the goals.

The deadlock was broken on 20 minutes when a fine team move involving Jordan Hendrie, Clough and Tom Youngs resulted in Newby converting from ten yards out.

It was to remain 1-0 up until half-time and Wanderers had to dig-in during the opening stages of the second period as West Ham came out and searched for the equaliser.

But the leveller didn’t arrive and Bolton put daylight between the teams when Luke Woodland – recently called-up for England Under-18s – powered through midfield to smash in a 20-yard shot.

Clough hit the post shortly after the second goal, but the in-form striker wasn’t to be denied in the Whites’ next attack when he headed in the third from close-range.

Wanderers saved their best goal for last, however, as Iliev cut in from the left wing and curled a fine effort into the top corner from 25 yards out.

Speaking after the game, Head coach Lee said: “This was a fantastic performance and another pleasing result. 

“The players deserve great credit because they had to endure a seven-hour journey down to London on the Friday afternoon, such was the traffic on the roads.

“We are in the second phase of games now and we are playing the teams for a second time. This makes our challenge harder as they want to beat us because we are still unbeaten this season.

“The players are relishing the challenge and are coming through with a lot of credit.”

Wanderers: Sievers, Matthews, Hendrie, Maher, Holding, Woodland, Youngs, Bailey, Clough, Iliev, Newby