Wanderers boss Ian Evatt believes the B Team is heading in the right direction in the early stages of the season.

The new team was launched over the summer in a bid to bridge the gap between youth football and the first-team picture.

Matt Craddock’s side recorded a 1-0 win against Salford City yesterday in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Gez Sithole scoring with a free-kick from 25 yards.

Former Wolves youngster Conor Carty was also on target in the 2-2 draw against Tranmere Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy before the international break, making the most of his appearance off the bench.

Evatt is pleased with the work going on to develop the club’s young talent but maintains there is still a long road ahead before any players can make the jump to the first team on a permanent basis.

“I think they have got a long way to go to being considered for the first team because we have got a very good squad of players,” said the Bolton chief.

“I have just come from the B Team game [a 1-0 friendly win against Salford City] and there is certainly progression and improvement, and that is credit to Matt [Craddock], Tuttey [Andrew Tutte] and Dave Gardiner.

“The work they are doing on the grass with them is certainly starting to pay off.

“This week it is an improvement and another step forward, and that is what we want to see from these young players. Constant improvement and progression, and I think we are getting that.”

Craddock’s side are back in Central League Cup action on Tuesday, October 11 when they take on Lincoln City Reserves at the Eddie Davies Academy.

The young Whites suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield Town in their previous Cup fixture despite Sithole’s goal in the final stages.

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