Matthew Marsh on scoresheet as young Whites suffer home defeat
Bolton Wanderers Under-18s slipped to defeat against Barnsley on Saturday, despite putting in a dominant display at Lostock.
Falling behind in the 25th minute, the young Whites controlled possession during the first half but struggled to break down the five-man Tykes defence.
Having seen Alex Samizadeh fire narrowly wide, before Jack Earing and Max Allen had efforts well-saved, Bolton equalised soon after the restart as Matthew Marsh headed home Danny McKenna's cross.
However, a defensive error gifted Barnsley a second goal, with the visitors taking advantage of the Trotters' pressing for an equaliser to seal the win with their third goal in the game's dying embers.
After the game, Under-18s coach David Lee told bwfc.co.uk; "We were totally frustrated against a side that played five defenders across the back.
"We had total possession for 45 minutes but couldn't break them down, and remained the dominant side in the second half after equalising.
"We created chances but a basic defensive error cost us to gift them the lead again and we were chasing the game from thereon in, with them scoring a third goal late on.
"It is a frustrating result, but overall it proves to be a great learning curve for the players."
TEAM
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Spooner, Lonsdale (Kale 45), Honeyball, Brockbank, Allen, McKenna, Earing, Marsh, Likoy-Elumba, (Pearson 60), Samazideh (Palmer 60).