A largley unexciting encounter at the Reebok Stadium saw Town drop to fourth but move closer on points to second position.

Town lined up a without Richard Naylor and Jim Magilton which led to Mick Stockwell moving into midfield, Fabian Wilnis coming back at right wing-back Jermaine Wright coming into the midfield and James Scowcroft moving up front.

A largely forgettable first half saw neither side really impose themselves on the game and very few clearcut chances. The second half was musch the same until Bolton took the lead through Dean Holdsworth. The striker headed in a cross from the right as his marker Fabian Wilnis ball-watched. The Dutchman was immediately substituted, although this would have happened regardless of the goal.

Town seemed to be spurred into life and were extremely unlucky not to score when David Johnson had a shot clipped off the line by a defender with the 'keeper well beaten.

Eventually it was Town's Mr Away Goals Matt Holland who hammered the equaliser. A Jamie Clapham cross was nodded back from the far post by Tony Mowbray and the Town skipper hit the ball very hard and low past his former West Ham Youths team-mate Steve Banks.

After this both sides could have won it with the save of the day coming from Town Man of the Match Richard Wright from a Dean Holden pile-driver.

Town never really got up to top form, but this was difficult on a pitch more atuned to tractor-driving and crop sowing than football. Several defenders were caught in posession and passing was always difficult. The Blues certainly missed Jim Magilton and Richard Naylor and looked best after James Scowcroft moved back to his midfield role when Jonas Axeldal came on.

Still a draw at the Reebok can't be seen as a bad result given last season, but we must start to put together a few more wins away from home and Barnsley in two weeks would be an ideal time to start.

R Wright 9 A couple of superb saves

Wilnis 5 At fault on the goal. On bench next week? (Croft 65)

McGreal 7 Best of the centre-halves

Mowbray 6 Not at his best

Venus 6 Caught in possession too many times

Clapham 7 Some good crosses. Work still required on corners

Holland 8 Excellent goal

J Wright 6 Still not convincing

Stockwell 6 Quietish game for Mickey (Stockwell 60)

Johnson 6 Another quiet game

Scowcroft 7 Looked best when in midfield

Reports in the local press today suggest a big transfer is imminent. Town's £1.1 million transfer record could be about to go, but the identity of the player involved is still a mystery. My guess? Hayden Mullins. See tomorrow for an egg/face incident involving myself.

Town bad-boy Adam Tanner has been linked with Colchester United. Town announced last week that the drink-drive centre-half was to be given a free and the Layer Road club are the only ones as yet to announce an interest. Currently at Colchester is Tanner's friend Jason Dozzell and a plethora of other former Town players including their manager Steve Whitton.

Photo: Action Images

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