JAMIE Thomas pounced for an equaliser 15 minutes from time as Wanderers’ Under-21s came from behind to snatch a point at Crewe, writes Liz Owen.

Iain Brunskill’s side – with Australia international Luke Brattan playing in midfield for the first time since his loan move from Manchester City – did well to battle back from a goal down having dominated most of the game.

The young Wanderers fashioned a number of opportunities in the first half, with George Newell and Chris Cvetko going closest to breaking the deadlock.

Niall Maher also missed a gilt-edged opportunity from close range, while Jordan Lussey brought a good save out of home keeper Alex Morris just before the break.

Despite their domination in the opening 45 minutes, Brunskill’s side found themselves on the back foot after the interval.

Lauri Dalla Valle shaved the woodwork with one effort and then, with 20 minutes left on the clock, Ryan Wintle beat Ross Fitzsimmons with a superb effort from just outside the penalty area, following a neat corner routine involving Ollie Finney and George Cooper.

Wanderers produced an impressive riposte, however, with Thomas showing his predatory instincts at the far post to turn home a corner.

Thomas thought he had won a penalty in the closing stages, only for his appeals to be waved away by the official.

Fitzsimons also made a smart stop from Callum Ainley to keep the scores level.

Wanderers: Bolton: Fitzsimons, Maher, Lussey (Garratt 77), Finney, Holding, Brattan, Campbell-Young (Perry 30), Cvetko (Samizadeh 63), Newell, Ceberio, Thomas.