Spirited performance from scholars ultimately ends in defeat
Bolton’s youngsters’ wait for a maiden league win of the season goes on despite an encouraging performance away at Manchester City on Saturday morning.
In what was a closely contested game for large parts, in truth the end scoreline didn’t necessarily reflect the true balance of play.
In the first half Aaron Knight and Sam Bailey both came close to breaking the deadlock, but it was City who went into the half time break a goal to the good.
After the interval David Lee and Tony Kelly’s youngsters drew level. Jamie Hinchcliffe and Guillermo Torres combined well on the edge of the area to tee up eventual goalscorer Jamie Thomas.
On the hour mark Bolton were dealt a blow when Walker was forced from the field of play with injury. The reshuffle in pack stifled Bolton’s momentum and despite a valiant effort the host would eventually run away with all three points.
“We played very well for over an hour,” Lee said after the game. “Unfortunately after the injury we seemed to lose our shape and momentum.
“There were once again more positives. The way in which we responded to conceding a goal in first half stoppage time was pleasing.
“On the whole I didn’t think the scoreline reflected the balance of play. We did well for long periods of the game.”