Bolton dropped to a 1-0 defeat to American second division side FC Tampa Bay as the Trotters' pre-season tour of the US got off to a wobbly start.

Matt Clare's 65th minute strike proved the difference at the Al Lang Stadium, despite the North American Soccer League team - coached by Luton Town legend Ricky Hill - fielding a below full-strength side.

Bolton, for their part, sent out a strong starting XI, including new signing Darren Pratley, who partnered Mark Davies in midfield.

But humid conditions and a lack of fitness proved the Premier League side's undoing, although manager Owen Coyle remained upbeat.

"It was a fantastic experience," Coyle said. "We knew it would be a tough game, we knew it would be demanding physically … we thoroughly enjoyed the exercise.

"We could have scored six or seven goals, there's no doubt about that and ultimately Tampa scored a very good goal so credit to them."

Eurosport