IN front of a bumper gate of 1,001, Boro proved the recent victory over neighbours Bury was no fluke, although the extra class of Bolton's premiership Wanderers eventually shone through.

In truth, the 3-1 scoreline would have been different, had Danny Hurst not produced another top class performance.

The Trotters' line-up for this friendly contained four recognised first-teamers, together with several others trying to to impress the watching Sam Allardyce, plus a selection of fringe and reserve players.

Boro themselves were without several recognised regulars, although they stillemerged with credit, matching their illustrious opponents in approach work if not finishing.

With Kevin Nolan pulling the strings in midfield, the visitors controlled all the early play.

Boro found it difficult to cope with the strength and movement of Kevin Davies and Michael Bridges, with Hurst in constant action.

Simon Kelly thwarted an early effort from Jamal before Hurst produced the first of a string of fine saves to deny Davies.

Shantal then had a low drive saved at the foot of the post; Bridges had a shot tipped over the bar; Hurst clutched another Bridges effort from just underneath the bar, as Boro couldn't get possession and spent the early stages stages chasing the ball.

The positive side was that the defence looked well organised and was managing to keep the Wanderers at bay.

Shantal was providing a threat and Hurst was quickly out to save at his feet.

It took until the 26th minute before they even won a corner, but this signalled a a better spell for the home side, with Lee Duffy heading a telling Simon Grand cross over the bar.

Boro seemed to realise their opponents were only human after all and began to push the ball around themselves, but just when it looked as though they would go into the half-time break on level terns, Wanderers struck twice within 60 seconds.

In the 42nd minute Duffy failed to clear and Nolan was on hand to half-volley into the top corner.

Seconds later Shantal latched onto a through-ball to round Hurst and double Bolton's advantage.

Both sides made wholesale changes at half-time, with Bolton withdrawing their first-teamers.

It signalled a change in Boro, who began to compete on a more even footing and allied to neat approach work they were rewarded in the 63rd minute with a goal,

Substitute Rory Patterson latched on to a through-ball down the left, out-paced Fojut and applied a fine finish from a tight angle to record his second goal in as many games.

He then tried his luck from 25 yards with a free kick, but dragged the shot wide.

Bolton carried less threat than they had in the first half and when they did get within shooting distance they found Hurst was still in determined mood.

Another substitute, Josh Mitten caused the Wanderers' defence a few problems, as Boro prodded and probed but clear cut chances were hard to come by.

Patterson again tried his luck from 25 yards but it was the visitors who wrapped up the result in the 88th minute.

Ricardo Vas-Te made progress down the right before driving inside to shoot past Hurst.

Boro will surely reap the benefit of all the hard work they put in.

They showed they can compete with the best, with pleasing performances in every department, with Hurst again demonstrating why he is so highly rated.

BORO: Hurst, Duffy, Heald, Kelly, J.Foster, Spencer, Marginsobn, Wilson, Denney, S.Foster, Grand. Subs: Patterson, Carden, Mitten, Sampson.