For the second game in a row, Bolton Wanderers Under-21s’ came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw at home to Crewe Alexandra last night, writes Tom Molloy.

Wanderers took an early lead through Tom Eaves before Crewe pulled two goals back to put them in the driving seat.

Yet again it was another late rally from the young Whites with Jamie Thomas scoring his ninth of the season with five minutes to go.

Harry Campbell was back in goal, following his recent spell on the first team bench. Niall Maher also made his return from injury to captain the side.

It was Bolton who had the best of the early chances with Alex Finney going close from a corner before Eaves broke the deadlock on 11 minutes.

In a great piece of couter-attacking football, Thomas collected Quade Taylor’s pass on the left-hand side and squared it for an unmarked Eaves to tap-in from close range.

Eaves nearly doubled his tally a minute later but his effort from the edge of the area was agonisingly wide.

Bolton were relentless with Jon Ceberio, Alex Perry, Maher all going close, before Thomas hit the post with a great effort after a brilliant solo run.

It was Crewe though, who scored next - Charlie Kirk expertly curling a shot past Campbell from the corner of the area, just before half time.

The second-half started quite slowly, but on 58 minutes disaster struck. Campbell and Ceberio messed up a short goal kick and goalscorer Kirk played in Tom Lowery for one of the easiest goals he’s ever likely to score.

Not to be deterred, Wanderers kept pressing and with five minutes left, Nat Phillips flicked on Chris Cvetko’s corner and it was top scorer Thomas who rose highest to nod past Dave Richards in the Crewe goal.