Bolton Wanderers Reserves and Southampton U21 shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at their Group Stage fixture in the Premier League Cup on Thursday evening. The match ended level after both sides traded blows in the second half.
And here's the thing — Bolton had the better of the opening exchanges but could not find a decisive moment. D. Watson finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, his strike proving enough to give the hosts the lead going into the final quarter of the game.
Southampton showed they were not finished, though. H. Gathercole found an equaliser in the 79th minute, and by then the visitors had clearly made it their business to earn something from the trip. The response was timely, if not particularly early.
Form has been mixed for both sides of late. Bolton came into this having won three of their last four, including a 7-0 demolition of Colchester United U21, while Southampton had drawn with West Ham U21 and suffered a defeat to local rivals Blackburn.
A point keeps both clubs in touch with their group objectives. The result means neither side has pulled clear, and the standings remain fluid heading into the next round of fixtures.