A lone goal from Joe Muscatt earned three points for Wanderers U23s, as they defeated their Watford counterparts on Friday afternoon.
In a performance described by boss David Lee as "excellent, energetic and hard working", it certainly showed with Joe Pritchard and Connor Hall creating chances early in the first half, but unable to capitalise on the early pressure.
Shouts for a penalty soon followed for the Whites, as Joe Pritchard seemed to have been fouled in the box but the referee waved play on.
The Whites were in the ascendancy, with Hall and Joe Muscatt both being denied by the Hornets goalkeeper, following excellent play from Eddie Brown who was leading the line.
Both fullbacks in skipper Harry Brockbank and Chiori Johnson were unrelenting in their runs up and down their respective sides, causing Watford severe problems but unable to break the deadlock prior to half time.
Three minutes prior to the hour mark, Bolton took the lead.
A Pritchard inch perfect free kick allowed Muscatt to get across his man to score from eight yards, a welcome present for the Whites dominance.
Further chances followed for Hall and second half substitute Tanimowo, only to be denied by excellent saves.
The Trotters continued to dominate the game, with Aspinall only called upon a couple of times, saving two long range shots.
Jordan Boon and Yoan Zouma were both steady and calm at the back , stopping any offensive threats with relative ease.
Luca Navarro on as a substitute could have made the game safe, only to hesitate with his close range shot as it was blocked.
Wanderers XI: Aspinall, Brockbank, Johnson, Zouma, Boon, Pritchard, Earing, Tipote, Hall, Brown, Muscatt
Substitutes: Tanimowo, James, Navarro, Hartshorne, Preston