Pools Academy could hold their heads high after going all the way against EFL Youth Alliance leaders Bolton Wanderers on December 21.

Bolton travelled to Blackhall with an impressive eight wins and one draw from their opening nine league fixtures.

Despite their opponent’s unbeaten start to the season, Pools looked bright early on and were only denied an opener when Kian Foreman’s strike was met with a fantastic save.

Within minutes of that opportunity, Bolton scored from a corner at the front post, arguably against the run of play.

Another set play at the start of the second half saw Bolton lead by two goals, with Pools left searching for an instrumental response.

Alex Cross and Graeme Clark’s side pressed forward and created several opportunities, but were unable to pull a goal back in the dying minutes.

“We more than competed with Bolton,” stated Clark at full time.

“We’re pleased with our performance, the 2-0 scoreline was really harsh on us.

“We’re making progress – we just need to spend a little more time on individual learning objectives, to get the better outcome the players and group deserve.”