Leeds Under-21 boss Michael Skubala felt the scoreline was harsh on his young side after their 3-0 defeat against Wanderers.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson got the opener, with Amadou Bakayoko and Kieran Sadlier also getting on the scoresheet during the second half.

Lloyd Isgrove made his first start in the best part of a year and looked lively at wing-back, setting up Bodvarsson’s goal.

Skubala felt his side “matched” Ian Evatt’s men during the opening 45 minutes but believes experience ultimately proved key.

He told BBC Yorkshire: “We knew it was going to be a tough test. They play some quality football at times. They do that in the league and when you watch them, they are strong.

“I thought first half, we matched them. We came out and did well. I thought we had a couple of opportunities where we have gone through one-on-one, and goals change games.

“If we had scored those and gone up, I think we would have been alright.

“Second half, they were better than us. They probably ‘out-experienced’ us a little bit. We couldn’t really get to grips with it and physically, you saw a few of our young lads cramping up.

“We kept going but I thought in the end they worse us down.”

He added: “I think three is harsh, two is fair if I’m honest. Maybe 2-1. I think three is a bit harsh but we just had tired legs in the end.”

The result sees Wanderers secure their place in the knockout stage, having won two of their three group fixtures.

Leeds could also still qualify and head to Crewe Alexandra next month in a fixture that was initially postponed.

Social, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form