Club's youngsters extend their unbeaten run to nine games with a win against their Forest counterparts
Wanderers Under-23s ran out 3-1 winners against Nottingham Forest in their latest league encounter on Wednesday afternoon.
It was the hosts who had the first chance of the game, as Yassine En-Neyah’s curling strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Will Jaaskelainen.
Soon after Pereira also threatened for Forest, he fired his shot narrowly over the bar on the 20th minute.
David Lee’s side began to find a foothold in the game and on the 25th minute, George Newell forced a saved out of Jordan Wright.
Wanderers took the lead just three minutes later. Callum Spooner picked up the ball just inside his own half and found Matty Fearnley with an inch-perfect diagonal pass. Fearnley rewarded the pass with a powerful finish from just outside the box.
The Whites took control of the game following the opening goal and pressured the Forest defence into a misplaced pass with some good pressing in the final third.
Jack Earing’s quick feet resulted in the midfielder being fouled inside the box and the referee pointing to the spot. Newell confidently stepped up and found the back of the net to double the lead.
Sam Lavelle soon found Bolton's third goal within 12 minutes as Wright fumbled King’s corner, the defender reacted quickest to fire home from close range.
SECOND HALF
Chaz Charlesworth looked to have reduced the deficit, however, Jaaskelainen produced another save to deny the Forest man. The Bolton keeper was called into action a number of times thereafter but was more than equal to the strikes.
Down the other end of the pitch, Wanderers almost found their fourth goal of the game through Newell. His header ended just wide of the far post following Earing’s cross.
Minutes later, Pereira as fouled inside the area, leaving the referee no choice but to award his second penalty of the evening. The Forest man picked himself up and converted the spot-kick to give his side a lifeline.
This proved to be the last action of an entertaining game and ensure David Lee’s side still have a chance of reaching the play-offs.
FULL-TIME.
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk following the final whistle, Lee said; “Tonight was a tough game, and Forest continually asked questions of our side throughout, however, it was pleasing to see how resilient we were as a team.
“We were disciplined throughout and we are delighted to extend the unbeaten run to nine games.”
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Spooner, Lonsdale, Lavelle, Brockbank, Perry, Griffiths, King, Earing, Newell, Fearnley.