Match Thread Bolton Wanderers (away) - Carabao (League) Cup

I just love positivity after a good away win

 

Key Get Rid is losing run halted in the FIRST GAME THAT MATTERS - still so much to do but hopefully everyone on here will enjoy their Saturday night just a little bit more

 

Good performance.
Well played

 

Don't mind the opposition having so much possession in their own half.

 

They'll have to be good to replace our lads today, forget that Bolton have yet to 'gel' that doesn't really wash....I am truly surprised but very pleased and there is still more to come from Guthrie....

 

It's amazing how we are fine making excuses for teams that we'd never find acceptable for us

Every team has had major turmoil - simply due to the disruption the pandemic caused. If anything, knowing they were down from as far back as March they've had even more time to prepare as opposed to us where there was a slight chance of playing and having something to play for - had less time

 

Well it does wash because you only need to look at some of the other results today. Bolton will be up there this season for sure.

I said we would win this yesterday but it doesn't change anything but it should give the players more confidence. However, the season starts next week and hopefully we can get a few more players in.

 

The Bolton having to 'gel' is just a get out for those who have, yet again, rashly written off the squad before a competitive ball was kicked

 

To be fair Clarke should have done better with that header maybe let it drop and volley, and Novak should have put his one on one away, could have been 2 - 0 up before we scored.

 

Just came in to see that we have had a good win against the second favourites for the league. Can’t comment on the performance so it would be good to have an assessment

 

I think Watt and Cooke will combine and work well together as they play more together. They showed up well.

Clarke played well to be fair although him, Watt and Cooke in the same team may result in defenders and midfielders wandering straight through the middle of the park as Bolton did a few times because none are particularly tackling minded.

Good games from Reece and Tyler. Well done lads.

Guthrie combines well with others but he's terribly slow and pushed off the ball too easily unfortunately.

 

Things you love to see. Hahahaha!

 

Agree you can only beat whats in front of you, and we did the job.

 

Very frustrating that he just headed it into the defender without really thinking.

 

Like a classic 1970s Brazil performance.

 

That good Eh

 

Some thoughts:

Back three looked fairly solid. Grew into the game and in confidence with the ball at their feet which is vital for the way we want to play. Paudie back to his best, Doyle didn't have a sniff. Staunton was good aside from the goal which I thought was more his fault than AOC.

French did well enough, still need a natural RWB though.

Cooke and Watt excellent, they complement each other really well. Clarke had a good game too.

Guthrie and Novak worked hard but have no mobility whatsoever. A pacey forward could've seen us score a few more with how high the bolton line was. Needed asap.

Two goals we scored were really well crafted and finished.

Probably the only negative was donaldson when he came on - he was dreadful. Typified by falling over himself in the corner and giving the ball away in stoppage time. Hopefully makes the striker search more urgent.

Overall, good win and performance.

 

Young Staunton did very well and didn't look out of place at all.
French playing out of position did very well also, getting an assist and covered at the back post on a number of occasions.
Watt and cook could be very good in midfield this season.
Clarke looked lively and did well.
Wood had a very good second half.
Also nobody has mentioned Donaldson came on and won a great little knockdown to O'connor leading upto that second goal.

 

Very enthusiastic post match interview from McCall.

He really seems to rate Staunton and French. Let's hope he manages them well and they thrive under him.

 

Especially as the same can be said about City, given the turnover in personnel. Although it could only improve given some of the departures.