B Team boss Matt Craddock has explained the thinking behind his side’s recent list of friendly matches.

The young Whites have faced Sheffield Wednesday reserves, Burnley Under-23s and Stockport County B over the past few weeks in addition to their Central League programme.

Craddock’s side came out on top against Wednesday earlier this month following a 3-2 victory at Lostock. Lloyd Isgrove and Finlay Lockett both managed to get on the scoresheet that day, along with a trialist.

They suffered a narrow defeat at Burnley - with Isgrove and Lockett again on target that day - and were beaten 3-0 by a Stockport side featuring eight first-team players at Edgeley Park.

Craddock knew the fixtures would be challenging but hopes his squad will benefit from the experiences in the long run.

He believes it is important to provide a wide range of opposition as Wanderers’ young prospects continue their development, with the aim of one day making it into the men’s game.

“It is really positive,” he told The Bolton News. “You need to have that variety – you look at the games the first team have to play and there is so much variety in one league.

“We noticed that we wouldn’t get that from the Central League alone so we have had to top up our programme with select friendlies.

“Some are really challenging against good players, but we hopefully have got a calendar this year of variety.

“Recently, we have played Huddersfield – who are an exceptional side – Sheffield Wednesday and a really good Burnley side.

“Every week we are getting something different. We are just trying to make it as varied as possible so that it mirrors what the first team are up against every week.”

Craddock’s side are back in league action on Tuesday afternoon when they take on Accrington Stanley Reserves at the Stanley Hub (1pm).

The young Whites are currently fifth in the table, having won three of their nine fixtures this term. 

Accrington sit at the top of the table, having lost just once since the start of the campaign, and have a five-point cushion over second-place Blackpool at this stage.

George Thomason, MJ Williams and George Johnston have all featured for the second string in recent weeks after recovering from their respective injury problems.