Youngsters begin the new campaign with a point against their United counterparts
Wanderers’ Under-18s opened their 2014/15 campaign with a 0-0 draw away at Manchester United on Saturday morning.In a game of limited chances, the Whites were put under pressure early on as Demetri Mitchell’s effort cannoned back off the crossbar inside the opening minutes.
As the half wore on, Mitchell found himself thwarted by Wanderers’ keeper William Jaaskelainen on a number of occasions but couldn’t find a way past the young shot-stopper inside the opening 45 minutes.
Having completed a double over the Red Devils last season, Wanderers emerged from the dressing room after the break with renewed vigour and proceeded to enjoy chances to continue their recent fine form against their United counterparts, but their efforts were to be in vain as the game ended all square.
Speaking following the final whistle, Under-18 head coach David Lee praised his side for their resolve and commended their efforts during a testing clash against the Old Trafford youngsters.
“It was a tough game against a team who had good possession within the first half but we sustained the pressure, and then changed the system to overcome their dominance,” explained Lee.
“It worked well for us in the second period as we had better possession and more chances than in the first half.
“We created a couple of opportunities, but overall a clean sheet was a good confidence boost for the team.
“The players had to work very hard, but they all stuck to their task and ground out a deserved point.”
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Spooner, Garratt, Phillips, Honeyball, Kennedy, Griffiths (Palmer 75), Cvetko, Elumba, Thomas (Omiegha 55), White
United: Henderson; Riley, Tuanzebe, Williams, Borg; Gribbin, Borthwick-Jackson, McTominay, Thompson, Dearnley; Mitchell