JIMMY Phillips says his young players learned a harsh lesson after shipping five goals against Ipswich Town.

Wanderers have now conceded 15 goals in their last three outings and extended their club record wait for a goal of their own to nine games.

Phillips’ team had four 17-year-olds and just four players over the age of 21 in his squad.

But the academy boss reckons age should not excuse some of the poor defending early in the second half which helped the visitors extend their lead.

“I’m very disappointed with the first 15 minutes of the second half,” he said.

“After going into the half-time break 1-0 down with a penalty given under the new law we said to the players at half time ‘get on the ball, play more football, stretch Ipswich out of their defensive shape’ but at the same time they had to maintain their stability.

“Within about five minutes of the second half kicking off Ipswich must have had three one-on-ones with Remi Matthews – who I thought had a fantastic game.

“That was the real disappointing thing. Yes, get on the ball, but you need to keep the back door shut and we just didn’t do it.”

Phillips paid tribute to the fans, who stayed supportive despite the scoreline.

The crowd of 5,454 was the lowest league gate since 1992 and the dwindling numbers do not surprise the interim Bolton boss.

“It’s extremely difficult, especially for the supporters who were fantastic again. They really did back the players,” he said.

“Whenever a goal went in they tried to gee the players up. They have been great the whole season and every game they turn up in their thousands to get behind the players.

“Patience is running thin, though. It is with the fans, the coaching staff, the players, I’d imagine with the new consortium as well because when you are taking over a club you want to get in there straight away to make a difference.

“What the hold up is, or the latest situation, I have no update from Thursday and Friday. We will just have to see what happens next week.”