U18s: Wolves 3-1 Bolton

Youngsters fall to defeat against their Wolverhampton Wanderers counterparts

Wanderers’ Under-18s suffered defeat in their final round of their current academy league fixtures as they went down by three goals to one against Wolves last weekend.

Coming into the clash off the back of an impressive draw and clean sheet against Manchester City in their last league outing, the Whites travelled to the West Midlands looking to go one better against their Wolverhampton Wanderers counterparts.

Following an evenly matched half which saw both sides working hard against each other, the hosts scored in the last minute of the first period through Connor Ronan.

Not to be deterred however, Wanderers rallied and equalised in the second half courtesy of an excellent solo effort from Will Abbotts following a well placed assist by Callum Spooner, allowing the former to make a strong run on goal and finish well from a tight angle.

Having previously hit the post through Jamie Thomas and seen Tyrell Palmer smash an effort against the crossbar, Bolton pushed for a winning goal with Abbotts coming close to doubling his tally, only for Wolves to hit them on the counter attack through Niall Ennis.

Despite falling behind, the Trotters didn’t give up hope and threw men forward inside the dying stages, only to fall further behind in the final minutes of the game as Wolves extended their lead further with Ennis again on the scoresheet.

Speaking following the final whistle, coach David Lee praised his side for their application during what was ultimately a frustrating afternoon for the club’s youngsters.

“It was a very evenly matched game – I don’t think there was an awful lot between the two sides in all honesty,” he said. “The conditions on the day weren’t the best with the wind playing its part, but in spite of that I feel that we were harshly beaten.

“We felt that Wolves’ second goal was offside, but even after that the players pushed forward and didn’t give up in search of getting something from the game.

“Obviously we were disappointed to concede a killer goal right at the end, but it’s a learning curve for the players and they will push on from this in the new league.”

Bolton: Dorrington, Spooner (Kennedy), Garratt, Honeyball, Phillips, Perry, Cvetko, Palmer, Elumba, Abbotts, Thomas
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