The young Whites had a blistering start on Saturday which resulted in 4-1 triumph against Rochdale. The EFL Youth Alliance North West fixture saw a return for Sean Hogan who missed out the last few fixtures due to suspension.
Yestin Shakespear continues his rehabilitation after suffering a serious hamstring injury that will sideline him for most of the year.
Wanderers started the game strong with James Westwood causing havoc down the right and it was Westwood who was the creator of the early opener. His cross eventually found Gio Loureiro who found the net from 12-yards out only seven minutes in.
It wouldn’t take long for Wanderers to double their advantage with Harry Leigh’s defence splitting pass leaving David Abimbola through on goal. The inform striker made no mistake in rounding the Rochdale goalkeeper and tucking home his strike from a tight angle giving the young Whites a 2-0 lead only 15 minutes in.
Abimbola had a chance at a brace only minutes later but he unselfishly tried squaring the ball to fellow striker Daeshon Lawrence, however the pass was intercepted.
The third goal came in the 21st minute as James Westwood’s corner was fumbled by the Dale goalkeeper leaving Sean Hogan with a chance at the back post. Hogan was never missing from there and marked his return back into the side with a trademark well taken header.
Wanderers continued to push to put the game further to bed but went into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The first action on the second-half was a Wanderers change upon the hour mark as Joseph Toole and Gio Loureiro made way for Oliver Smith and Conor Lewis to enter the field.
With 20 minutes left Rochdale pulled one back after a defensive mishap.
The young Whites made an immediate response and regained their three goal cushion as Conor Lewis, David Abimbola and Daeshon Lawrence combined to add Wanderers’ fourth with Lawrence getting the finishing touch.
Wanderers saw the game out from there but U16s striker Corey Nuttall was given more minutes at U18 level as well as a debut for Trialist A, Harry Leigh and David Abimbola made way for them to enter the play.
A well deserved victory on home soil for the U18s who face Stockport County back at Lostock next Saturday.
Wanderers' Team:
Dallimore (GK), Westwood, Oliver, Grayson, Hogan, Toole (Smith, 60’), Leigh (Trialist, 72’), Loureiro (Lewis, 60’), Abimbola (Nuttall, 82’), Fleury, Lawrence
Subs:
Barlow (GK)