Dev squad: Bolton 0-4 United

Jamie Fullarton's side defeated in cup clash

Wanderers’ development squad suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in the Manchester FA Senior Challenge Cup at the County Ground.

The Red Devils had gotten themselves off to the best possible start with a goal inside 90 seconds from William Keane, with Adnan Januzaj, Wilfried Zaha and Larnell Cole confirming the victory with a goal apiece in the second half.

Despite a sterling performance from Jay Lynch in the Bolton goal, it was ultimately in vain as United ran out comfortable winners.

Following a lively start to proceedings, United stunned the Whites with a goal inside two minutes as Guillermo Valero found Keane in space in the area, allowing the striker to volley the ball past Lynch.

Having started with a bang, the confidence amongst the Red Devils was clear to see with Januzaj firing inches over the crossbar shortly after.

Bolton were almost gifted an equaliser in the 17th minute as Tom Youngs capitalised on a mistake at the back, but his shot was calmly collected by Ben Amos.

Januzaj almost had his name on the scoresheet moments later with a free-kick that seemed to be destined for the bottom corner, but Lynch did well to get down at his near post to deny him.

Zaha looked set to double United’s advantage in the 28th minute after a mazy run from the half way line, but the winger’s shot crashed against the crossbar with the Bolton keeper beaten.

With United in control, Cole appeared to have extended the visitors’ lead with a powerful long range effort, but Lynch pulled off a spectacular save to keep the deficit at one, while he had to be at his best to deny Keane a second on the stroke of half time.

As the second half got underway, United almost produced a carbon copy of their opening goal as Januzaj teed up Keane inside the first minute, but the striker’s shot was cleared behind for a corner, while Tom Thorpe’s looping header hit the woodwork moments later.

Having been in control for virtually all the clash it seemed only a matter of time before the visitors extended their lead and they did duly oblige shortly after the restart with two quick fire goals from Januzaj and Zaha.

Januzaj’s strike, a spectacular effort from distance gave Lynch with no chance, while the former Crystal Palace winger powered home from just inside the area.

With United on a roll, Wanderers were forced onto the backfoot and almost conceded a fourth through the ever dangerous Zaha, but Lynch was on his guard to keep the score down.

As the clock ran down, Warren Joyce’s side enjoyed more chances to add to their tally with Cole testing the Whites keeper from close range and substitute Tom Lawrence trying his luck from just inside the area, but it was to be Cole who would have the last word as he fired home from just inside the area with two minutes to go.

Fullarton's side will be hoping to get back to winning ways away at Newcastle United next Monday evening, with the game kicking off at 7pm.

Bolton: Lynch, White, Kellett, Holding, Bolger, Kelly (Threlkeld, 60), Lester, Gregus, Wilkinson (Knight, 75), Clough (Ariyibi, 60), Youngs
Subs not used: Campbell.

Manchester United: Amos, Da Silva, Varela, Thorpe, M. Keane, Ekangamene, Zaha (Barmby, 79), Cole, W. Keane (Lawrence, 70), Januzaj (Blackett, 60), James
Subs not used: Sutherland, Love.
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