Youngsters recover from 3-0 down to clinch dramatic victory
Bolton Wanderers pulled off a remarkable comeback to win away at Birmingham City on Saturday.
Despite finding themselves 3-0 down after half-an-hour, the young Whites dominated possession from start to finish in a frantic first half.
Continuing to battle away despite the deficit, Max Allen pulled a goal back after 35 minutes, before Alex Samizadeh’s superb individual strike soon after ensured Bolton trailed by just one goal at the break.
Not done there following the restart, the Trotters continued to control proceedings and netted a deserved equaliser on the hour-mark as Enock Likoy-Elumba headed home Tyrell Palmer’s free-kick.
Samizadeh completed the comeback with his second of the game as he tapped home Jordan Grant’s cross from close range, before Cole Lonsdale wrapped up the scoring, firing home from the edge of the area from another Grant delivery.
However, the drama did not stop there with Wanderers almost adding a sixth only to hit the post, before Jake Turner prevented any injury-time nerves by keeping out a stoppage-time penalty.
Speaking following the final whistle, head coach David Lee said: "It was probably our best attacking performance of the season and we were well in control of the game.
"Despite dominating possession, we went 3 - 0 down within 28 minutes as they took the lead through a wonder-goal, before adding to it by taking advantage of a goalkeeping error and further defensive mix-up.
"However, the players showing a fantastic attitude to finding themselves in that position, and fought back to dominate the game.
"It was very pleasing to see as we put together some excellent phases of play, and the win was no more than we deserved.
TEAM
Bolton: Turner, Grant, Lonsdale, Brockbank, Honeyball, Allen, Palmer, Earing, McKenna, Likoy-Elumba, Samizadeh.