Wanderers’ B Team suffered a 3-1 defeat against Rotherham United Reserves in the Central League Cup at Roundwood Sports Complex.

George Kelly scored a brace for the hosts, with Hakeem Odoffin also getting on the scoresheet. Connor Stanley was on target for the Whites.

Matt Craddock made five changes from the side that won 3-2 at Huddersfield last month, with Stanley, Wes Frimpong, Nelson Khumbeni, Andrew Tutte and Gerald Sithole all coming in.

Rotherham named a strong line-up including Conor Washington, who has made 21 first-team appearances this season.

The hosts went in front inside the opening minute when Kelly slotted home after meeting Washington’s cross.

The forward had the ball in the net again 10 minutes later after latching onto Scott High’s pass and finding the bottom corner, but the offside flag came to Wanderers’ rescue.

The Whites got back on level terms through Stanley, who found a way past Josh Vickers with a well-taken free kick.

But Rotherham restored their lead moments later when Kelly doubled his tally for the afternoon after keeping his cool from the penalty spot.

Luke Hutchinson, who was given the captain’s armband in Adam Senior’s absence, then made a smart stop to deny the 26-year-old after getting on the end of Curtis Durose’s cross-shot.

The Bolton goalkeeper was again called into action after the break, making a double save as Durose tried to double the hosts’ advantage.

But Rotherham did manage to extend their lead when Washington stabbed home from close range after Wanderers had failed to deal with Odoffin’s knock down.

Odoffin could have had a second on the hour mark after a mazy run but the midfielder sent an effort just wide of the post.

Kelly also went close, sending a header over the bar after getting on the end of Washington’s delivery.

Inside the final 15 minutes, Hutchinson made another smart stop to deny High after he cut inside and found a pocket of space.

Wanderers have now taken three points from their opening three matches in the group stage and travel to Rochdale next week.

Hutchinson, Frimpong, Toure, Halford, Tutte (Inwood 69), Tweedley, Khumbeni (Sharples 72), Pettifer, Lockett, Stanley, Sithole (Jones 76)

Unused subs: Dallimore, Brown