Scholars finish first-half of season in second place and qualify for the Elite Group stage
Wanderers’ under-18s secured a comfortable 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in their final Barclays Premier League fixture before the Christmas break.Goals from George Iliev and Zach Clough earned Bolton their tenth victory of the season, as David Lee and Tony Kelly’s side ended the campaign in second place.
The Trotters will now play their trade in the Elite Group of the Premier League following the festive period.
The young Whites started brightly, enjoying large periods of possession and creating plenty of chances within the opposition’s penalty area.
Wanderers controlled the game in the midfield area, but Lee’s side failed to find a first-half goal which their overall play warranted.
But the Trotters were soon ahead after the restart. Elliot Newby found space on the wing to provide a pin-point cross to Iliev who made no mistake to finish from close range.
The Whites continued to push forward and top-scorer Clough soon doubled their lead after his well-placed shot beat the on-rushing ‘keeper from 12 yards.
Head Coach David Lee said: “On reflection, now that the first phase of the league is complete, I am very pleased with the development of the players.
“Each one of them have taken on board many vital aspects and they are now moving towards the next step of their development – and after the Christmas break, the players have to start pushing towards inclusion to the development squad .
“A new test is now upon us as the second phase of fixtures resume from early January - where we will play against Chelsea, Southampton, Reading, Fulham, Man United and Everton.”
Wanderers:Sievers, Gibson, Matthews, Holding, Maher, Bailey, Newby (Torres 80), Woodland, Clough (Youngs 75), Iliev (Hamer 80), Walker