Middlesbrough’s Under-21s have sealed promotion to the Barclays Under-21s Premier League First Division after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bolton at Victoria Park.
Emmanuel Ledesma opened the scoring three minutes before half-time after a pretty low-key opening when he side-stepped Bolton goalkeeper Harry Campbell before slotting in to an empty net.
The second arrived 23 minutes from time when Harry Chapman, 17, once again tormented the opposition defence despite his tender age. He broke down the right flank, picked out Callum Cooke, who converted coolly beyond Campbell.
And the third arrived eight minutes later when Luke Williams, who has been unable to force his way in to Aitor Karanka’s first team plans this season, reminded everyone of his eye for goal when he tricked his way through the defence before striking a volley in to the bottom corner.
The routine win, after overcoming the early nerves, ensured that Paul Jenkins’ side could celebrate promotion to the top-flight in the Under-21s league – and now the first team will aim to follow suit in the Championship’s play-offs next month.
Middlesbrough: Ripley, Bennett, Jackson, Burn, Kitching, Maloney, Tinkler, Chapman, Cooke, Ledesma, Williams. Subs (not used): Fryer, Wheatley, Morelli, McAloon.
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