Goals, Isgrove back, Sadlier quality - Four ups from Bolton Wanderers' win over Leeds United U21s
19.10.2022 - 13:47
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Bolton Wanderers rediscovered their goalscoring touch as they progressed to the last 32 of the Papa Johns Trophy with a 3-0 win over Leeds United's under-21s.
Ian Evatt made eight changes from the side which drew against Barnsley over the weekend. It was one of the three players he kept faith in, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, who put the Whites ahead in the first half as he turned home a cross from the returning Lloyd Isgrove.
Wanderers doubled their lead after the break when Amadou Bakayoko fired home from close range following Conor Bradley's shot being saved by Joel Robles. Kieran Sadlier added a third before full-time to put the victory beyond doubt.
READ MORE:Ian Evatt on Bolton's win over Leeds United, Bodvarsson & Sheehan injuries, Isgrove return & John susbtitution
Here we analyse the positives from a solid victory for the Whites as three points and a place in the next round of the competition was secured.
Ups
Back in the goalscoring groove
Wanderers had gone three games without scoring a goal and there had been a mini goal drought at Wanderers. Though the back of the net had not bulged since the win at the start of the month versus Lincoln City, it was a spell which was always going to end.
And it ended with a touch of quality as a clinical finish from Bodvarsson put the Whites ahead. It was added to with a poacher's finish by Bakayoko after the break, rewarded for being the quickest to react to Bradley's shot being parried.
Sadlier added a third with a real touch of quality before full-time. It was pleasing to see Wanderers back scoring goals and the obviously the confidence it brings, but also crucially it was the forward players who managed it.
Qualification to the next round
Wanderers needed a result to progress to