WANDERERS Under-18s slipped to a second defeat in three U18 Professional Development League outings after throwing away a two-goal half-time lead at Bristol City on Saturday.

Nicky Spooner’s side went into the game in the West Country off the back of a 1-1 home draw against Barnsley seven days earlier.

And they began brightly, forcing mistakes from the hosts.

They took a deserved lead when Cameron Moore ran on to a through ball to slot home.

The young Whites continued to dominate and created several chances.

But they had to wait until the half-hour mark to score a second, Harry Brockbank converting Jack Everest’s free kick at the back post.

A 2-0 half-time scoreline was fully deserved but the hosts were far from done and came out reinvigorated after the break.

The Robins were on level terms in quick time, scoring two to peg back Spooner’s Whites.

And another individual error saw City complete their comeback with a third before the end.

Spooner was frustrated with the second-hale reverse and told The Bolton News: “Again we started the game well, pressing high and forcing mistakes from Bristol City.

“We scored from a long through ball and then dominated the game, creating numerous chances which should have been taken.

“Bristol City came out in the second half more aggressive and put us under pressure.

“We conceded two quick goals from individual errors.

“As both teams went for the win we again conceded late on.

“After a promising start and comfortable position we again didn’t play for the whole 90 minutes.

“This is something the boys have to learn from.”

The U18s are back on home soil on Saturday when they host Crystal Palace at the Eddie Davies Academy, kick off 11am, looking end a winless run of three league matches.

Wanderers U18s: Turner, Grant, White, Marsh, Brockbank, Grivosti, Everest, Griffiths- Jones, Moore, Abdo, Navarro. Subs: Pearson, Broughton, Connell.