WANDERERS under-18s slipped to a third defeat in four games when they went down 1-0 to Stoke City at home on Saturday.

In a tight encounter, the Potters clinched all three FA U18 Premier League points thanks to a 70th-minute strike from Charles Weston-Hayles.

Whites coach David Lee felt it was harsh on his team who performed better than in the previous week’s 3-0 reverse at Liverpool and were denied an opener in the first half by the woodwork.

Lee said: “It was a very close game with nothing between both teams and we can count ourselves unlucky to leave the game empty-handed.

“We hit the post in the first half and their keeper made two good saves from free kicks.

“They scored with a deflected goal inside the six-yard box.

“We pressed and continued to create chances for an equaliser and went close several times.

“We just needed a bit more quality in the penalty area to produce a goal.

“There were some good phases of play during the game and overall it was a hard-working performance.”

Lee’s side are at home again on Saturday when Everton are the visitors to the Eddie Davies Academy, kick off 11am.