Youngsters record memorable victory over their Red Devils counterparts
Wanderers’ under-18 side recorded their fourth consecutive league victory with an impressive 2-1 win against their Manchester United counterparts on Tuesday afternoon.
Entering the clash on the back of victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Everton, David Lee and Tony Kelly’s side began the clash in the ascendancy as William Abbotts forced Joel Castro Pereira into a smart save early on to keep the scores level.
Buoyed by their opportunity, Jamie Thomas proceeded to test the United rearguard with a well taken free-kick shortly after, but the youngster’s effort flew narrowly past the upright.
Given their dominance inside the opening stages, it came as no surprise when Bolton finally broke the deadlock with 23 minutes on the clock as Abbotts laid the ball off for Elliot Newby who fired home past the United keeper.
Having struggled to make their mark during the first third of the match, the Red Devils did test Harry Campbell in the Bolton goal with Matthew Wilcock’s effort, but the youngster was on his guard to preserve Wanderers’ lead at the break.
United did emerge for the second half with more vigour however and following a period of sustained pressure from the visitors, they did level the scores in the 64th minute through Sean Goss’ powerful drive from just outside the area.
Not to be deterred though, Wanderers hit back just five minutes later as Thomas pounced to regain the lead for the Whites.
The conditions at the club’s academy training ground were certainly trying their best to dampen Bolton’s spirits, but not even the weather could rain on Wanderers’ parade as the youngsters held out for a memorable victory.
Speaking following the game, coach Lee admitted his delight at seeing his side run out winners against a highly rated United outfit.
"From start to finish, we were very good both in and out of possession and created several chances," he explained. "We were the better team throughout and played with confidence.
"We had seven first years and one under-16 in the squad who did fantastically against an experienced United team.
"Overall, it was a very dominant and professional performance and I'm thrilled for the team as it was a fully deserved victory."
Bolton: Campbell, Bailey, Garratt, Honeyball, Greenaugh, Kennedy, Cvetko, Hinchliffe, (Hamer), Abbotts, Thomas, Newby
United: J. Pereira; Evans (Williams), McConnell, Ioannou, Barber; Harrop, Goss, Willock, Redmond, McTominay (Riley), Croskery (Rashford)