Wanderers came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Tranmere – but missed out on a bonus point after losing on penalties.

Lloyd Isgrove, making his first appearance since last November after returning from injury, had a spot kick saved by Mateusz Hewelt.

Kieron Morris and Paul Lewis were both on target for the hosts during the first half, but Kieran Sadlier pulled one back after the break.

And Conor Carty scored a superb equaliser in stoppage time on his first-team debut after impressing for the B Team in recent weeks.

Dream debut for Carty

Carty has been one of the early standouts from the new B Team following his release by Wolves over the summer.

And the youngster certainly made the most of his opportunity off the bench, beating Hewelt with a thumping strike.

Carty spent five years at Molineux and has also previously represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

The striker couldn’t have imagined a better way to introduce himself to the Bolton faithful, and perhaps he has done enough to warrant a start in the final group match.

Beck shows glimpses of quality

Supporters had been waiting patiently to see Owen Beck in a Bolton shirt, but it was a difficult first outing for the Liverpool loanee.

However, he showed glimpses of what he is capable of in the final third, beating his man with a clever turn early in the second half.

Beck is highly thought of at Liverpool but is still searching for sharpness following a frustrating loan spell in Portugal.

It will take time to get used to Wanderers’ style of play but the Welshman provides healthy competition for Declan John and Jack Iredale at left wing-back.

Cruel return for Isgrove

It was fantastic to see Isgrove back in the side after a nightmare spell with injuries, and he certainly made an impact after coming off the bench.

Despite his time on the sidelines, the versatile wideman looked sharp and played a part as the Whites produced a spirited comeback.

But football can be a cruel game at times, and that was the case when Isgrove saw his spot kick saved by Hewelt, handing the advantage to the hosts.

However, the Welshman’s performance was encouraging and his return adds even more depth to Ian Evatt’s squad.

Another goal for Sadlier

Sadlier again looked lively at times in the number 10 role and has done himself no harm as he aims to win a regular place in the starting line-up.

The former Rotherham man produced a moment of real quality in the second half as he swivelled to send a volley into the roof of the net.

Sadlier has now found the net three times in 11 appearances this season, most of which have come off the bench.

Evatt previously challenged him to keep “knocking on the door”, and so far the 28-year-old has obliged.

Tough night for Dixon

Joel Dixon will be disappointed with his positioning for the opening goal, leaving too much space to his left for Morris to fire home.

The goalkeeper has proved during his time at Bolton that he is a good shot-stopper but seems to be low on confidence at the moment.

Evatt will be hoping the former Barrow man can rediscover his best form and push James Trafford for the number one jersey over the coming months.