Bolton U18 2-1 L'pool U18 - More Riley's?

Goals from Chris Lester (pen) and James Caton gave our young lot a much needed win against a good Liverpool side. I must say after watching this game, I am very confident we will have a few more following in Riley's footsteps throughout the next few years. One coach I remember stated that a golden age for Bolton's academy was just around the corner, at the time I assumed it was just him blowing smoke up his own rear, but there certainly may be truth in what he has said.

The team as a whole haven't won much this year but we have some very good individual talent in there, including one outstanding player who I think could be the best talent Bolton have brought through the ranks in years.

James Caton, who scored a very good goal is a very tricky left winger who gave Liverpool a torrid time all afternoon. Not a pacey winger, but his technical skill enabled him to beat his man all afternoon. His goal was similar to Lennon's on the weekend. He beat his man with a step over or two and then curled the ball around the keeper at his near post. He is already near the Rezzies and he could very well have what it takes to break through to the first team should he continue to improve steadily.

Chris Lester was our right winger and again is very tricky, but with a bit more pace then Caton. His goal was from a penalty he earned from his trickery. He was definitely the man we were looking to get the ball to and he did very well when 1 Vs 1. Already got in to the Rezzie's and got an assist on his first game. Should he keep up what he's doing now, then I would expect to see him offer a contract.

Iliev looked to be a good player with some nice touches and link up play, especially for a striker. Didn't get much action in front of goal but he has in previous games, and is already getting on the bench for the Rezzies. He is fairly new to BWFC, and I can't say I know all that much about him apart from he came from SKA Sofia. Will watch him with intrigue.

The player I eluded to earlier is Luke Woodland. Still just 16, he is already one of the best players in the U18 and has 5 England U17 caps. He played in CM and I can say I have not seen another senior Bolton player make such inch perfect passes this year as he did today. Even under pressure he managed to hit a cross field ball from outside our box to Lester's just outside their box. He has very good ball skills and is able to take men on. That coupled with his passing makes me a very happy Wanderer. Like Ileiv, I haven't seen as much of him, but would think like Vela, as soon as we can offer a pro deal, we will.

Also both CB's, Dennis and Therkald won every single header and looked composed throughout. Quite possible one of them might get a deal in the future, all dependent on the year ahead I would think. Glenn Matthews an ex-Chelsea LB also looked quite good, but he did panic in possession and had a few hairy moments. He has potential, but might of been an off game.

Although this is just one game, It's clear to see we have some quite talented players coming up through. I look forward to seeing how these players will develop this year, and with any luck, there will be one or two future Whites from those mentioned. Good win, let's just get some more on the board now!