Bolton Wanderers' Under 23s returned to the summit of their league table with a 1-0 victory over their Colchester United counterparts on Monday night.
The Whites started brightly in the clash, with Jeff King being denied by the legs of Dillon Barnes before Liam Morris blasted the ball over the crossbar from just outside the penalty area.
David Lee's side didn't have to wait long to break the deadlock however and it came in bizzare circumstances as Connor Hall's hard running towards Barnes pressurised the goalkeeper into kicking a back-pass into the frame of the striker who saw the ball cross the line.
There after, Bolton were firmly on top in the clash with Luca Navarro and Hall going close in quick succession for the home side.
Dennis Politic then saw a free-kick fly narrowly wide after being hacked down on the edge of the area.
The visitors responded however, with a last-ditch challenge at the far post from Cole Lonsdale preventing them a certain equaliser on a rare foray into Bolton's box.
Come half-time however, Wanderers' lead remained.
As the second period got underway, the U's looked for a route back into the clash and saw William Wright blaze an effort high and wide with just five minutes gone.
Immediately from the resulting goalkick, Barnes was called into action for Colchester as he made a fantastic double save to deny firstly Hall and then Politic from close range.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Navarro spurned a glorious chance to double Wanderers' lead after being put through by a splendid pass from Politic, only to hit the ball over the advancing keeper.
Bolton's pressure continued and with six minutes left, Jeff King had an effort cleared off the line.
The referee blew the full time whistle however, with the Trotters having secured three priceless points.
Bolton: Aspinall, Sheckleford, Lonsdale, Hartshorne, Brockbank, Morris, Politic, Earing, Hall, Navarro, King
Subs: White, James, Henry, Hall, Stratford