Scholars progress in FA Youth Cup after impressive win at the Madejski Stadium
David Lee and Tony Kelly’s Under-18 side progressed to the fifth-round of the FA Youth Cup after a fine win over a hardworking ten-man Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
First and second half goals from Tom Youngs and winger Chris Lester ensured Wanderers will travel to either West Ham United or Tottenham Hotspur who play their fourth round tie on January 22.
Wanderers survived a couple of scares on this bitterly cold evening, particularly when the Royals were awarded a penalty, saved by Jan- Ole Sievers, midway through the first half.
The home side had a shout for a penalty early on in the game when striker Uche Ikpeazu fell to the ground, only for the referee to signal there was no foul.
Bolton went ahead in the 19th minute when Youngs’ shot was deflected, leaving goalkeeper Dan Lincoln to watch the ball fly into the top corner.
Reading had a chance to score from the spot in the 26th minute when Tarique Fosu was fouled in the area.
After a short delay due to a Bolton injury, Fosu stepped up and saw his penalty pushed away by 17-year-old goalkeeper Sievers.
Ten minutes into the second half, the grafting Aaron Kuhl received a second yellow card for bringing down an oncoming Youngs.
And with eight minutes left on the clock, Lee and Kelly’s side secured their place in the fifth-round when winger Lester made his way down the left-hand side before slotting past Lincoln.
Bolton visit Chelsea in the league on Saturday 19 and will play their fifth-round tie before the February 9 deadline.
Wanderers: Sievers, Gibson, Matthews, Bailey, Holding, Maher, Lester, Woodland (Wolstenholme 40), Clough, Youngs, Walker (Unused Subs: Hendrie, Campbell, Newby, Hamer)