Carlos Mendes Gomes made his long-awaited return from injury for Wanderers’ B Team against Stoke City.

Gomes got 45 minutes under his belt as Andy Taylor’s side suffered a narrow defeat at Lostock in the Central League.

The 26-year-old hadn’t featured since suffering an Achilles injury against Wigan back in February.

Gomes joined the Whites from Luton in the summer of 2023 and made 23 appearances before injury struck, scoring four goals.

He had also earned recognition on the international stage, representing Guinea-Bissau at the African Cup of Nations.

Conor Carty was another forward involved for the young Whites, coming off the bench for the second half and seeing a penalty saved.

Carty had been sidelined for the best part of a year after suffering an ACL injury while on loan at Doncaster.

The 22-year-old had only made a handful of appearances for the League Two club when the injury occurred.

Prior to that, he spent time in the League of Ireland with St Patrick’s and had broken into the Ireland Under-21 squad, scoring in a friendly against Kuwait.

Sol Sidibe got the decisive goal at Lostock, curling a strike past Luke Hutchinson in the Bolton goal.

Carty came closest to finding an equaliser after the break but saw his spot kick saved by Jack Bonham.

Meanwhile, Wanderers’ Vertu Round of 16 tie at Lincoln will be played on Tuesday, January 14 (7pm), the club has confirmed.

Ian Evatt’s side beat Huddersfield in the previous round, while the Imps secured a narrow victory against Morecambe.

Lincoln currently sit ninth in the League One table and three points off the play-off places heading into the busy festive period.

Two sides also meet in the league on Sunday, December 29 although that match will be played at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.