Bolton Wanderers U21s delivered a spectacular 7-0 victory over Colchester United in a Professional Development League match this week. The emphatic win at the club's Lostock training ground keeps the young Trotters perfect after two games.
Reported by Bolton Wanderers FC, the result showcased the strength in depth at the club, which finished third in League One last season with 74 points. The first team scored 67 goals in that 2025 campaign, and the U21s showed they share that attacking intent.
How did Bolton Wanderers dominate the match?
They took control early. On-loan striker Ryan Hardie, from Wrexham, opened his Bolton account with a goal assisted by Sam Iling-Junior. Max Lott then doubled the lead before half-time, also set up by Iling-Junior. The visitors, who had beaten Fleetwood Town 4-0 previously, created chances through Adrian Akande and Alexander Faux but couldn't score.
The second half saw a goal rush. Substitute Daeshon Lawrence came on at half-time and scored twice. Toby Ritchie added another, following his goal the previous week, and Lucas Kirkpatrick completed the scoring. Manager Julian Darby will be delighted with the five second-half goals and the clean sheet, a positive sign for a defence that conceded 48 times in the senior team's last league season.
Who featured for Bolton Wanderers U21s?
The starting lineup was: Harrington, Wilkinson, Oliver, Toal, Paye, Irwin, Lott, Watson, Hardie, Ritchie, Iling-Junior. Club captain Eoin Toal got 60 minutes under his belt in his return to action, being replaced by O'Neill. Both Hardie and Iling-Junior played 45 minutes as part of their fitness plans. Darby made full use of his bench, bringing on Leigh, Lawrence, and Lewis at half-time, with Kirkpatrick replacing Lott later on. Lomax and Quirk were unused substitutes.
What's next for Bolton Wanderers U21s?
They aim to continue their strong start on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August. Their next game is a league fixture against Coventry City at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Kick-off is at 1pm. Admission is priced at just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions, with entry via turnstile D in the Bolton Kia West Stand, adjacent to the main reception. Only card payments will be accepted.
This result provides a significant boost as the club builds towards the new first-team season. Fans can track the progress of these young players and view the full squad details online. The development side's form is a bright spot, complementing the first team's recent DWLDW form from the end of last term.
