Report: Atherton Collieries 3-3 Bolton

Young Bolton side twice come from behind to draw in opening game of pre-season

Bolton Wanderers’ 2016/17 pre-season campaign kicked off with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Atherton Collieries at Alder House.

In front of the watching Phil Parkinson, a young Wanderers side initially went two goals behind. Mark Ayres converted an early Atherton penalty, before Brad Cooke doubled the lead with a sweet strike from distance.

Bolton responded, as Alex Samizadeh, a lively presence throughout, quickly spun away from a marker in the box before firing a low shot home.

And Wanderers thought they were heading into half time on level terms when Constantin Sandu reacted well to volley home after his initial cross had been scrambled clear.

But right from the kick off the hosts immediately restored their lead, as Jordan Cover escaped behind the Bolton backline before finishing beyond the onrushing goalkeeper. Atherton led 3-2 at the interval.

Both sides rang the chances at half time and throughout the course of the second half.

Atherton twice struck the woodwork, with Bolton stopper Jake Turner alert to tip a low shot onto the base of the post.

Late in the piece Bolton netted their second equaliser of the afternoon, as sub Ronaldo Pearson latched onto a through ball before drilling a low effort beyond the goalkeeper.

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