B Team boss Matt Craddock was delighted with his side’s display against a “strong and experienced” Rochdale side in the Central League Cup.

Goals from Conor Carty and Matt Tweedley gave the young Whites a two-goal lead at Spotland, but the hosts hit back through Scott Quigley’s brace to claim a point.

Rochdale named several players who were involved for the first team during the 2-0 defeat at Hartlepool over the weekend including 30-year-old Quigley, who has scored four goals in League Two this term.

Despite the strength of the opposition, Craddock felt his side found a good “balance” in their performance.

“It says a lot that we have come off disappointed that we should have won,” he told The Bolton News.

“For all intents and purposes, this was a League Two side. It was such a strong, experienced team.

“We have been a bit unfortunate with their first goal, which was a handball. The second goal was of our own making. But for us to earn a point away from against such an experienced team is a real testament to the lads.

“We have had a couple of games recently where we have conceded one and the floodgates for a 10-minute period.

“We have been talking about the importance of being able to manage the moments in games, and I think we did that really well today. I was really pleased.

“There was a really good balance between managing the game and showing our quality - playing out, building and creating. I think some of the lads showed themselves in a really good light today.”

Wanderers have now picked up four points from their three matches in the group stage and currently sit third in the table, although fourth-place Lincoln City have a game in hand.

The young Whites’ next scheduled Central League fixture is on Tuesday, February 14 when they head to Preston North End Reserves.

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