EIDUR Gudjohnsen’s goal-den touch deserted him on his much-anticipated return for Wanderers but the Icelander came through 90 minutes unscathed for the development squad in a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at Leyland, writes Mikael McKenzie.

Playing in an advanced midfield role under the watchful eye of Neil Lennon and Phil Gartside, the 36-year-old showed some glimpses of class early on to supply front two Conor Wilkinson and Kaiyne Woolery.

His fortunes faded towards the end of the half, however, as he scuffed one fine chance at the Boro keeper after being played through on goal by Zach Clough and then guided an even better opportunity over the crossbar from point blank range.

While the Under-21s’ four-match unbeaten streak came to an end, it was all eyes on returning star Gudjohnsen, whose second stint at the club is expected to be announced in the next 48 hours.

The experienced front man continued to pull the strings in the second half, creating chances for Wilkinson and Clough, who were unable to beat the impressive Joe Fryer in the Boro goal.

Adam Bogdan also made his first appearance since the end of August, completing his comeback from a fractured finger.

First team stars David Wheater and Liam Trotter also featured for Iain Brunskill’s side in his first home game in charge.

Bolton took the lead inside two minutes when Adam Jackson flicked Wilkinson's cross into the path of Trotter, who kept his composure to slot home from 12 yards under pressure from the goalkeeper.

Middlesbrough drew level on 10 minutes when Callum Cooke slotted home from the spot after being bundled over in the box by Wanderers captain Oscar Threlkeld.

The Whites went in search of an instant response and Wilkinson came within a lick of paint from giving his side the lead again when his thunderous shot from the edge of the area cannoned back of the post.

The visitors began to grow into the game and piled the pressure on the Wanderers goal but Bogdan was not called into action until the 35th minute when he was forced to produce a superb reaction save to keep out David Atkinson's deflected close-range effort.

Wilkinson, Clough and Walker all tested Fryer in the second half but they failed to score that elusive goal.

The winning goal came on the 90th minute when Harrison Chapman drilled in a low cross from the left and Ryan Brobbel was on hand to sweep the ball home and send Boro home with all three points.