Wigan Athletic's Under-21s maintained their position at the top of the Professional Development League standings with a 3-1 victory over local rivals Bolton Wanderers at Brick Community Stadium. The win came despite playing the final half-hour with ten men after goalkeeper David Harrington was sent off.

Goals from Ryan Hardie, John McAtee and David Watson secured the three points for Julian Darby's side, who have now won seven of their opening eight league games. Hardie opened the scoring after 70 minutes, finishing from a pass by Emile Oliver. Watson added a third shortly before half-time following a setup from Max Lott. Bolton's consolation came from Joe Gilbertson with a strike from distance.

Harrington was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a scuffle with Bolton's Charlie Hughes. His departure forced a reshuffle, but the young Latics held firm. Substitute goalkeeper Luke Lomax made a superb point-blank save to preserve the lead, while Finlay Wilkinson and Charlie Hughes both saw efforts go wide for the visitors.

Winger Jayden Nelson suffered an injury after 30 minutes and was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, adding to the team's injury list. His early exit prompted a tactical change, with Luke Lomax eventually coming on as an outfield substitute in the 61st minute. The extent of Nelson's injury is not yet known.

Wigan's Under-21s now have 22 points from their eight matches, extending their lead at the summit of the Professional Development League. Their next fixture is a trip to face Sheffield Wednesday U21s on Monday, October 30th, at Hillsborough.

The result provides a bright spot for the club as the senior team prepares for a key League One fixture. Wigan Athletic's first team, currently 24th in the table with seven points from nine games, face Oxford United away on Tuesday. Their recent form of two wins, one draw and two losses includes a 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday 17 October, with Scott Hogan scoring the winner, but also a 1-0 defeat to Stevenage on Saturday 10 October. They have scored six goals and conceded 13 in the league so far. The Under-21s will look to continue their impressive form in their next Professional Development League match.

Read the full report at bwfc.co.uk