Wanderers 1 Bury 0

Jordan Melia (OG)

by Jack Nolan

WANDERERS' Under-21s comfortably beat Bury in the Manchester Senior Cup, even though the scoreline does not reflect that.

In a game where Andy Lonergan kept a clean sheet, he only had to deal with a handful of opportunities that were created by the Bury attack, although one of his few saves was stunning.

Wanderers could have scored four or five, but for some wayward finishing at the County ground.

The highlight, however, was that 90 minutes were played by David Wheater, Stuart Holden and impressive transfer window signing Medo. The first 15 minutes belonged to Bolton, with many chances created.

Sanmi Odelusi was a constant threat with his quick feet and hunger to drive at the defence.

He provided a moment of magic in the ninth minute, going past four men before running the ball too close to the keeper.

Holden, playing on the opposite side to his brother Euan, made a trademark lung-busting run into the box to try and meet another Odelusi cross, only to make weak contact from six yards.

Wanderers continued to press until they made the breakthrough a minute before the break.

Gregg Wylde broke free and his cross was turned in by Bury right back Jordan Melia.

Although it was a largely uneventful second half, the evening provided optimism with full games for the trio who will boost Dougie Freedman's first-team options and some promise shown by the likes of Odelusi, Oscar Threlkeld, and Alex McQuade.

How they lined up Wanderers: Andy Lonergan, Oscar Threlkeld, Alex McQuade, Matt Mills (71), David Wheater, Mohammed Kamara, Stuart Holden (C), Gregg Wylde, Sanmi Odelusi, Jan Gregus, Thomas Eaves (86).

Subs: Adam Blakeman, Jan-Ole Sievers, Jack Sampson (86), Andy Kellett (71), Ben Dennis.

Bury: Christian Dibble, Jordan Melia, Thomas Roune(45), Efe Sodje, Levi Clarke, Euan Holden, Sebastien Carole, Sam Dickinson, David Healy (45) (C), Yulu, Sean Myler (71).

Subs: Connor Keane (45), Tom Pratt (71), Joe Thornton, Navid Nasseri (45), Matthew Prickett.