This was written BEFORE the Derby game (see my comment on Wiseman - before I 'unleash the beast' of a Derby report) but since Daddy Bear has no internet...
‘You don’t get a hilarious or obtuse title cos I can’t remember hearing owt funny or interesting all day long’
Finally, the return of the prodigal son and Danny Wilson is back at Oakwell. A great welcome too, as the vast majority appear to have taken on board the good news. And after a promising 1st half, the 2nd half showed what a job the manager has got on.
Bad news from the outstart: no Mellis or McCourt in midfield. Who will do all the shrugging and double-teapotting now, folks? Wilson goes with a 4-1-3-1-1 (!?) formation, with Sir Bobby in front of the defence and Scotland lurking somewhere behind O’Grady up front. Steele was back too – a surprise, considering the Chron was speculating how Dibble would be in for the Derby game, with Butland’s loan spell over. As it was, Stoke’s keeper was injured and Butland was recalled early for the Potters.
1st half, and both sides had chances. I’d say we shaded it. Hassell had a header tipped over, O’Grady forced a smart save and O’Brien had an effort. Mind, the Trotters hit the post and Steele saved a one on one. Then it all fell apart.
For 20 minutes of the second half, Bolton absolutely caned us. So just as I was about to ask my dad if Wilson would make a change before they scored, they did. A smart finish too, as Danns cut inside from the left to curl a ball into the far top corner from 12 yards. Of course, it could’ve been different had Wiseman been out wide to mark him, rather than be dragged into the middle. Why does this keep happening?
MOTM? It could be any of Crainie, Hassell, O’Brien, O’Grady or Steele. So I’ll go for:
*** Crainie. Held the defence together. Again.
** O’Grady. How we missed not having a bloke who can hold a ball up. Understandably tired later on in the game.
* Steele. Another welcome return. Made several top saves, though I’m marking him down for his poor kicking.
Sponsors MOTM - O’Brien. Decent game, but not MOTM. Since he’s Sarah’s favourite, I’ll leave comment to her: ‘Why does he get MOTM when he isn’t and why does he not get MOTM when he is?’ Ah, the vagaries of our MOTM ‘system’.Finally, the return of the prodigal son and Danny Wilson is back at Oakwell. A great welcome too, as the vast majority appear to have taken on board the good news. And after a promising 1st half, the 2nd half showed what a job the manager has got on.
Bad news from the outstart: no Mellis or McCourt in midfield. Who will do all the shrugging and double-teapotting now, folks? Wilson goes with a 4-1-3-1-1 (!?) formation, with Sir Bobby in front of the defence and Scotland lurking somewhere behind O’Grady up front. Steele was back too – a surprise, considering the Chron was speculating how Dibble would be in for the Derby game, with Butland’s loan spell over. As it was, Stoke’s keeper was injured and Butland was recalled early for the Potters.
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| Players queue up to say 'Hi'. |
1st half, and both sides had chances. I’d say we shaded it. Hassell had a header tipped over, O’Grady forced a smart save and O’Brien had an effort. Mind, the Trotters hit the post and Steele saved a one on one. Then it all fell apart.
For 20 minutes of the second half, Bolton absolutely caned us. So just as I was about to ask my dad if Wilson would make a change before they scored, they did. A smart finish too, as Danns cut inside from the left to curl a ball into the far top corner from 12 yards. Of course, it could’ve been different had Wiseman been out wide to mark him, rather than be dragged into the middle. Why does this keep happening?
MOTM? It could be any of Crainie, Hassell, O’Brien, O’Grady or Steele. So I’ll go for:
*** Crainie. Held the defence together. Again.
** O’Grady. How we missed not having a bloke who can hold a ball up. Understandably tired later on in the game.
* Steele. Another welcome return. Made several top saves, though I’m marking him down for his poor kicking.
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| The Bolton Massive. 1838 - not bad. |
Despatches:
McCourt came on and caused the odd moment of panic (at one point beating 5 defenders before a last ditch tackle stopped him) but he needs to know when to part with the ball. Here’s a clue: when 3 of their men are around you, Paddy, it stands to reason there are other players in a red shirt FREE for a pass. Oh, and stop overhitting the passes you do give. Perkins had a quiet game, while Dawson huffed and puffed but didn’t blow any houses down. Still, he nearly nicked a late pen when he waited for their player to make a challenge, which he did, cleaning Dawson out, and somehow it wasn’t given. A Premiership ref would’ve had it straight away. Scotland proved he can’t last 90 mins. Get him back on the bench – he does more in 20 mins than he does in 90. Go figure.
Wilsonwatch? If there’s a criticism, it’s his use of subs. Certainly not early enough, and possibly not the right ones anyway. Any of Scotland, Dawson, Perkins and O’Brien coulda been dragged off, so obviously it was Hassell.
All in all, some promising moments, but Bolton ran out deserved winners. Let’s not get too despondent tho, I thought Bolton looked a class outfit in the second half, despite their current position. They’re no Donny/Millwall/Washday/Yeovil/Charlton and I for one remain optimistic. Besides, MELLIS will be back for Derby!
Come on you Reds!
A
Away: 1838
Wilsonwatch? If there’s a criticism, it’s his use of subs. Certainly not early enough, and possibly not the right ones anyway. Any of Scotland, Dawson, Perkins and O’Brien coulda been dragged off, so obviously it was Hassell.
All in all, some promising moments, but Bolton ran out deserved winners. Let’s not get too despondent tho, I thought Bolton looked a class outfit in the second half, despite their current position. They’re no Donny/Millwall/Washday/Yeovil/Charlton and I for one remain optimistic. Besides, MELLIS will be back for Derby!
Come on you Reds!
A
Away: 1838
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