Bolton U18s Get Back on Track Beating Blackburn

This weekend, Bolton's Under-18s traveled to Blackburn, a team that now sits 6th (out of 8) in the Premier League U18 table. The baby Wanderers went behind twice but managed to end the match 4-2 to the good. Georg Iliev and Niall Maher both scored a brace to give David Lee's boys the victory.

They went down early, on what can fairly be described as a flukey goal, which was deflected in, but the team responded well and shortly after Maher scored his first to bring Bolton level. Before halftime, the visitors fell behind again, as Rovers' player Bradley Bauress headed home.

Bolton were given the upper hand shortly before halftime when the homeside had a player sent off, an advantage the Wanderers certainly took advantage of. Bolton's extra man enabled them to play a pretty passing game, and just after the break, Iliev was able to give a 15 pass move a satisfying ending, heading home a Zach Clough cross to bring Bolton level again. Two minutes later, the Bulgarian gave his side the lead for the first time in the match. Maher put the game away with his second goal of the match in what was a comfortable second half for Bolton.

Coach David Lee had this to say of the bounce back,

We were determined to put right the disappointment of losing last week. I asked the question to the players. They answered the question, and deservedly got the performance I was looking for.

Overall it was a pleasing response, with some very good individual performances and we now look forward to a good week of training in preparation for our next game.

Bolton Under-18s still trail Reading, with only a goal separating the two sides. Next Saturday, Bolton travel to third place Everton. Come on you Baby White Men!