U23s: Bolton 2-1 Birmingham

It was almost the perfect start for David Lee's side as James Henry threaded a perfectly-weighted pass into the path of George Newell in the fifth minute, however, Baba recovered well to clear the danger for Birmingham.

Two minutes later, Jeff King and Callum Spooner combined well down the right-wing before the latter's driven cross was collected bravely at the feet of Newell. 

Despite not taking the lead, the early signs were encouraging and in the 12th minute Wanderers had penalty appeals waved away by referee Martyn Rawcliffe. 

King was fouled inside the box after beating a number of City defenders, with the loose ball falling to Luke Griffiths after no penalty was given but his shot was saved comfortably.

After a sustained period of pressure, it was Griffiths who opened the scoring for the Whites minutes later. 

Alex Perry retained possession well on the edge of the box before teeing up Griffiths, whose shot evaded a number of bodies inside the box to find the bottom corner and give Wanderers a well-deserved lead in the 16th minute.

There was little action for Jake Turner in the Bolton goal, his first involvement coming as he collected McCoy's cross that started a counter attack. 

Keeping possession well, it was Spooner's cross that found King at the back post, however, his header was claimed by Trueman.

Lubala then saw his header go agonisingly wide for Birmingham, a miss that proved costly. 

Within seconds, Wanderers were down the other end of the field and, following a wonderful team move involving eye-catching flicks from Henry and King, the ball fell to Griffiths on the edge of the box with the midfielder keeping  his cool to find the bottom corner and extend the lead.

After being so comfortable throughout the first-half, Wanderers were unlucky to concede seconds before the break. Following a Birmingham corner, Alex Perry was unfortunate to have the last touch following a deflected shot.

The ever creative King had the first chance of the second half, his header was parried behind for a corner before both Henry and Newell saw their strikes saved by the Birmingham City shot-stopper.

Turner was one again called into action on the 68th minute, this time getting down bravely to deny at the feet of Hale.

With the game drawing to a close, Reece Wabara saw his header fly into the arms of Trueman.

Wanderers saw out the rest of the game, defending well and denying their opposition time and space on the ball while also remaining comfortable in possession.