LUCIAS Vine featured as a trialist as Wanderers' reserves drew 1-1 at Walsall in their final Central League fixture of the campaign, The Bolton News can reveal.

Finlay Lockett got the Whites back on level terms on the stroke of half-time after the Saddlers had gone in front through a trialist of their own.

Vine nearly got on the scoresheet during the first half but was denied by a double save by Walsall stopper Zach Hedge.

The 18-year-old is the son of Rowan Vine, who had spells with Luton and Birmingham among others and was most recently a player-coach at Hemel Hempstead.

He has come through the ranks at Aldershot and has played for both their Under-18s and Under-23s over the past couple of years.

The young forward has been on the bench for the non-league outfit several times but is yet to make his senior debut.

Vine also spent time on loan in the Southern League Premier Division with Hartley Wintney this season to continue his development.

He recently had a trial with Championship side Bristol City, featuring in an Under-23s fixture against Watford.

Wanderers are currently aiming to recruit players for their new B Team, which is set to launch next season in place of the current reserve side.

Speaking earlier this month, Ian Evatt said: “We feel that is the best way to encourage the pathway and make sure there isn’t that gap between under-18s and first-team football.

“It gives some of our academy players a longer time to develop and learn to get themselves ready for the first team.”

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