Wanderers U18s Win Yet Again

Under-fire first team manager Dougie Freedman, that well-known advocate of youth team football, will no doubt be delighted to have learned before his own game against Watford of Bolton Wanderers' Under-18s who recorded yet another victory, as they showed great character in coming from behind to win 2-1 at Stoke City to secure a sixth win in seven league outings.

David Lee and Tony Kelly's youngsters have lost just once in 2014, defeating local rivals and big-budget-possessing Manchester City and Manchester United. Manager Lee was pleased to see second-half goals from Christopher Cvetko and Jamie Thomas sealed another three points in the FA U18 Premier League North Group.

Speaking with the BEN, Lee said:

"It was a scrappy first half with both teams competing hard without too much to shout about.

"Stoke scored against the run of play, but we showed great character throughout the second half, producing many chances.

"Will Abbotts hit the bar and Jamie Thomas shot narrowly wide.

"Christopher Cvetko equalised with a free-kick, 20 yards out on the angle of the box, just before the hour mark.

We then produced a good phase of play, resulting in Thomas scoring from eight yards out after good link-up play with Elliot Newby and Abbotts."

Wanderers had fallen behind when Stoke forward Joel Taylor scored after a through ball from Kieran Monlouis. Despite this setback, Lee's side struck with two second half goals to secure the win.

Lee added:

"Overall, it was a tough game with players showing character and endeavour.

"It was very pleasing after last week's win against Man City. We asked the players to avoid complacency and they answered with a hard-fought performance."

Bolton Wanderers: Campbell, Greenhaugh (Bailey), Garratt, Honeyball, Ball (C), Kennedy, Hinchcliffe, Cvetko, Abbotts, Thomas, Newby.

Stoke City: Eve, Cook, Strong, Monlouis, Sanders (C), Edwards, Taylor (Pickerill), Renee-Pringle, Richards, Coban, Shenton