By Mark Heys
October 6 2006

Manchester United reserves gained revenge on Bolton Wanderers for their recent Lancashire Cup exit as they ran out 4-1 winners at Ewen Fields in last night's reserve league fixture. Wanderers where a little hard done by throughout large spells of the game as they had a lot of the ball but United made their chances count as Phil Marsh hit a hat trick.

The hosts included former West Bromwich Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and Alan Smith in their line up with the latter making good progress following a broken leg sustained earlier in the year.

United proved to have the better of the first half as Kieran Lee and Richie Jones tested Wanderers keeper Robert Lainton who was making his first full start at reserve level.

On 43 minutes the Mancunians took the lead from the penalty spot after Bolton defender Mark Ellis was adjudged to have handled inside his own area. Marsh stepped up to convert the first of two penalties for the evening.

Bolton where eager to get back on level terms at the start of the second half and their persistance paid off as midfielder Nathan Wolfe struck a fine free kick past Kuszczak to level the scores.

Striker Sam Sheridan rattled the woodwork as the visitors looked to get their noses in front but it was United who eventually gained the upper hand with just over twenty minutes of the game to play.

Marsh capped off a fine United move involving Smith and Jamie Mullen for his second goal of the night and substitute Fabien Brandy added a further goal with a superb volley after being set up by Ryan Shawcross.

In injury time Marsh netted his third goal of the game from the spot to seal a United victory but Bolton's young side can take some heart from the way they played.

Bolton Wanderers Reserves:



Manchester United Reserves: Tomasz Kuszczak, Kieran Lee (Michael Lea), Danny Rose, Craig Cathcart, Ryan Shawcross, David Jones, Jamie Mullan, Richie Jones, Alan Smith, Phil Marsh, Michael Barnes (Fabian Brandy)