Bolton Wanderers concede five again as Ipswich romp to win in front of record low crowd

Bolton Wanderers conceded five goals for the third game in a row as Ipswich eased to victory in front of a record low attendance at the University of Bolton Stadium.

The ailing Trotters are in the middle of a protracted takeover, saw boss Phil Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin quit in midweek and were trounced by the Tractor Boys in front of 5,454 - the lowest attendance for a league game in the stadium's 22-year history.

Later on Saturday the club were told they could face expulsion from the EFL if they fail to complete the takeover or show "credible plans" they can compete this season by 17:00 BST on Tuesday.

Parkinson left on Wednesday, a day after the club's League One fixture against Doncaster Rovers was postponed amid welfare concerns for younger players.

It was the latest controversy at a club which has been in administration since May, was deducted 12 points at the start of the season and managed to field just three senior outfield players in the 5-0 defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

A repeat looked on the cards from the outset against Ipswich, as caretaker boss Jimmy Phillips was forced to field another young and very inexperienced side.

James Norwood scored his third goal in as many games when he converted an 18th-minute penalty, following a handball by Harry Brockbank that was furiously protested by the hosts.

The lead was doubled shortly after the interval when Gwion Edwards tapped in after Norwood's initial shot was saved by home goalkeeper Remi Matthews.

Town then scored two quickfire goals when Kayden Jackson finished coolly twice in the space of four minutes.

First, he tapped in after Edwards' effort came back off a post on the hour, and then he made it 4-0 with a powerful finish.

Norwood compounded Bolton's misery when he fired home a fifth after 72 minutes.

Phillips said the run of heavy defeats will take a toll on Bolton's players.

"It's not great for any player, young or old, to be on the end of a 5-0 defeat," he said.

"The players with strong characters will come out of this with benefits.

"Those with perhaps a weaker mental side are the ones who potentially might go under, which is where we as coaches have to consider that."

A proposed takeover by Football Ventures has been beset with problems for weeks and is still waiting to be completed.

Laurence Bassini, who failed with his own bid to buy the club before it went into administration, was awarded a court order blocking the sale on 8 August.

That was amended and adjourned six days later, but it is still to be finalised.

"It's extremely difficult for the supporters, players and everyone involved at the club," Phillips added.

"But credit to the fans - they were outstanding for us and for the players. They've turned up and got behind the players but patience is running thin.

"I would imagine it's the same with the consortium involved. They would want to get into the club and hit the ground running.

"What is the hold-up? I've no update from earlier in the week."