Sam Lavelle on the scoresheet as young Whites slip to defeat.
Bolton Wanderers Under-23s suffered their first defeat of the calendar year away at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday afternoon.
Facing off at Middlewood Training Ground, David Lee’s side took the lead seven minutes into the encounter through Sam Lavelle. The defender produced an outstanding volleyed finish from the edge of the box following Jeff King’s corner.
Following the goal, Will Jaaskelainen was called into action twice in quick succession, first saving from Hirst and soon after denying Penney.
But on 38 minutes, the Owls were awarded a penalty after Barrow fouled Preston inside the area. Hirst converted the penalty levelling the score at half-time.
SECOND HALF
Déjà vu struck just five minutes into the second half as Hirst was fouled by Barrow, the referee pointed to the spot awarding Sheffield Wednesday their second penalty of the game.
Hirst stepped up but was denied by Jaaskelainen, only for Murphy to tuck home the rebound to give Wednesday the lead.
On 58 minutes, Wednesday found the net for the third time, Sasso heading home from Stobbs’ corner.
The Whites were unlucky not to find the net following chances for George Newell and Jeff King, however with minutes remaining Wednesday countered well, with Clare scoring Wednesday’s fourth of the game.
FULL TIME
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk after the final whistle, Lee said; “We had the beating of Sheffield Wednesday in the first half and played some good, attacking football.
“The second half though, they were the better side. Their experienced players became better with time and overall the strength in their side shone through.
“George Newell worked very hard and the performance of Jeff King was encouraging. Now we need to recover well and prepare for Nottingham Forest next Friday."
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Spooner, Lonsdale, Lavelle, Barrow, Tanner, Earing, King, White, Politic, Newell.
Sheffield Wednesday: Wildsmith, Baker, Penney, Semedo, Dielna, Sasso, Stubbs, Murphy, Hirst, Clare, Preston.