WANDERERS Under-18s slipped to a 3-1 defeat in their latest U18 Professional Development League 2 outing at Nottingham Forest.

The young Whites had started well in the East Midlands with Enock Likoy-Elumba, fresh from celebrating his 18th birthday last week, scoring after just 15 minutes from Ryan White's right-wing cross.

But Forest were level five minutes later through in-form Ben Brereton and they edged ahead soon after half time when a long ball caught the Whites defence napping and Brereton bagged his 18th goal of the campaign.

Wanderers pressed for an equaliser but Forest sealed maximum points with a third goal through Virgil Gomis 12 minutes from time.

Whites coach David Lee said the players were disappointed with the result but he felt there were some good individual displays on the day.

Lee told The Bolton News: "We did have several chances with one cleared off the line and a couple of near misses.

"A positive was Under-16 player Matthew Fearnley who did very well, and is getting more experience.

"In a top-of-the-table clash, the players were disappointed with the result, but there were some good individual performances."

The U18s are on the road again on Saturday when they visit Coventry City.