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Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Town - Match Report
Saturday, 13th Dec 2014 17:10

Town dropped to fourth in the Championship after drawing 0-0 with Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium. After an evenly balanced first half in which the home side had the better opportunities, the Blues - who had scored in each of their last 16 games - were on top for much of the second period with Jay Tabb twice going close to breaking the deadlock.

Teddy Bishop returned to the side, replacing Stephen Hunt, who missed out with a virus, in an otherwise unchanged team.

Bishop started in the centre of midfield alongside Cole Skuse with Jay Tabb moving to the left and Paul Anderson continuing on the right. Luke Hyam remained sidelined with his achilles injury. For Bolton, former Blue Liam Trotter was on the bench.

Blues striker David McGoldrick struck the game’s first shot in the sixth minute after a clever turn five yards outside the area, but his low effort failed to test Andrew Lonergan in the Bolton goal.

Two minutes later, Bishop picked up a ball well inside the Town half on the right and brought it forward a long way before feeding Tabb in space on the left just outside the Trotters’ box. However, the midfielder’s strike was blocked by Dorian Dervite.

From the corner, the ball was deflected high into the air end and eventually found Murphy, who looped a shot goalwards, Lonergan doing well to tip over. Smith nodded Anderson’s right-sided flag-kick wide at the near post with the Blues starting strongly.

Bolton threatened for the first time in the 14th minute. Tim Ream played a ball down the left behind Blues skipper Luke Chambers towards Max Clayton. The former Crewe man cut in past Smith, however, Christophe Berra had got across to block his shot.

But Town were largely having the better of it and on 18 Skuse struck a powerful low drive from distance but straight at Lonergan.

A minute later, the home side created another decent opportunity. With Christophe Berra down having taken a blow to the head, Liam Feeney crossed from the right and Lee Chung-Yong moved the ball on to unmarked left-back Tim Ream on the edge of the box.

The USA international should have shot but instead played a low pass into the area which Tyrone Mings half-cleared back to him, Ream blazing the subsequent chance well over.

At the other end, Bishop cut in from the left and hit a shot which gave Lonergan no problem.

The Blues weren’t far away from opening the scoring in the 26th minute when Mings found Murphy in space on the right with an excellent cross-field pass. The Championship’s 13-goal top scorer cut in and hit a low shot just past Lonergan’s right post.


Moments later, with rain by now falling heavily, the Trotters were forced into a sub when Clayton went down and after treatment was stretchered off. Jay Spearing replaced him. The sub was quickly into the action, shooting just wide from 25 yards in the 33rd minute.

In the final minute of the half McGoldrick picked up the game’s first yellow card for a late tackle on Feeney on halfway.

In injury time, Murphy sent over a dangerous cross from the left but Ream did well to chest back to Lonergan.

Shortly before the whistle, Skuse smashed a poor Feeney clearance well wide on the volley.

The Blues had had the better of the early stages but overall it was an evenly balanced half.

Bolton, though, had had the better chances with Berra making an important block from Clayton and Ream failing to take a shot when presented with his opportunity by Lee. For the Blues, Murphy went closest with his shot which flew just past the post.

The home side started brightly after the restart but without threatening Bartosz Bialkowski’s goal.

On 53 referee Sutton irked the Town players when he pulled play back for a foul on Tabb 35 yards out with the game having continued and McGoldrick in a promising position inside the area. From the freekick, McGoldrick struck a low shot which was blocked.

Two minutes later, Tabb had a great chance to put the Blues in front. McGoldrick brought the ball in from the right and hit a shot which was going well wide but rather fortunately hit Tabb, putting him through on goal. Trotters keeper Lonergan reacted quickly and came off his line to block the midfielder’s effort on goal.

Bolton introduced returning striker Eidur Gudjohnsen on the hour, the 36-year-old Icelander making his second Trotters debut against the team he faced in the last game of his previous spell 14 years ago.

Tabb immediately went close for Town again when Anderson’s corner from the right bounced to him through a crowd of players. Lonergan reacted quickly to divert his 10-yard diving header over.

McGoldrick dragged a shot wide having cut in from the right, then was presented by an even better opportunity when Berra’s long ball down the left beat Wanderers skipper Mills. McGoldrick hit a low shot just past Lonergan’s left post from a tight angle.

The Blues were getting on top and on 68 McGoldrick scuffed a shot on the edge of the box after good work on the right from Anderson. Tabb returned the ball to McGoldrick, who found Mings in space on the left but his low cross was cut out.

But Town were in charge and were making chances. A minute later, a clearance struck Murphy and sent McGoldrick away on the right but his shot was too close to the keeper. On 72 Kevin Bru replaced Bishop.

McGoldrick and Murphy almost conjured a chance for Tabb on 77. McGoldrick cleverly tricked his way out of a crowd of players before his strike partner used his strength to turn his man and play a ball into the midfielder’s path only for a Bolton defender’s toe to intervene.

A minute later, Mings was booked for a foul on Feeney, then Noel Hunt replaced Anderson taking up a position on the right of a front three.

As the game moved into its final 10 minutes the home side were having more of the ball but still without forcing Bialkowski into a save.

With three minutes of scheduled time remaining, Ream was booked for fouling a breaking Hunt on the right. Darren Ambrose replaced Tabb, who had put in a tireless performance, on 89.

Gudjohnsen marked his second Bolton debut with a booking for hauling back Hunt as the fourth official’s board announced four additional minutes. Hunt was yellow-carded himself for a rather untidy looking challenge on Ream.

Bolton claimed a penalty two minutes into injury time when Berra blocked Lee’s cross from the right but replays suggested the ball hit the Scot’s chest.

Soon after, referee Sutton blew his whistle soon afterwards to confirm Town’s first 0-0 draw since the Blackpool home game in February and their last away from home since the stalemate at Millwall in April 2013.

After the even first half, the Blues were the better team after the break with McGoldrick more effective and were much the more likely winners. It was perhaps unfortunate that the best two chances fell to the otherwise outstanding Tabb rather than either of the strikers.

However, despite missing out on the chance of going top and dropping a couple of places - although still only a point behind new leaders Bournemouth - manager Mick McCarthy won’t be too disappointed with another away point and his side stretching their unbeaten record to eight games, having lost only once in their last 17 matches.

Bolton: Lonergan, Ream, Mills (c), Dervite, Wheater (Vela 70), Danns, Feeney, Pratley (Gudjohnsen 60), Lee, Clayton (Spearing 29), Wilkinson. Unused: Bogdan, Moxey, Hall, Trotter.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers, Berra, Smith, Mings, Skuse, Bishop (Bru 72), Tabb (Ambrose 89), Anderson (N Hunt 79), Murphy, McGoldrick. Unused: Gerken, Parr, Clarke, Sammon. Referee: Gary Sutton (Lincolnshire). Att: 15,186 (Town: 905).


Photo: Action Images



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GiveusaWave added 17:15 - Dec 13
Didn't see the game, but a good result given Boltons recent form. Shame a lot of the other results around us went against us. Very tight at the top this year, and notice Norwich are back in the mix.
1

mrmorisato added 17:17 - Dec 13
A good away point this afternoon but there won't be any let up over Christmas with Boro and Brentford to play. Two more tough games but we've faired really well lately :)
4

ipswich_Jordy added 17:18 - Dec 13
This could be a great point looking back at the end of the season looking at Boltons recent form. Tabb should have scored at least one, but we have to move on and look towards the massive game next week against Boro
COYB
4

StochesStotasBlewe added 17:19 - Dec 13
A decent point, should have been 3 but a comfortable clean sheet. Created lots of chances which on another day a couple would have been converted. It,s really tight at the top. Next 2 games really tough but confident of good results in both. COYB.
6

TimmyH added 17:24 - Dec 13
Sounded like we played ok and a tad unfortunate not to get all 3 points - bigger games to play starting next week against Boro' who looked very organised against Derby.

I know what I want for Xmas and that's 6 points against Boro and Brentford and then I'll reckon we'll be top of the pile. A bit unlucky today but that stretches us to only 1 defeat in 17!! - very good indeed.
15

iaintaylorx added 17:31 - Dec 13
before the game, i'd have taken a point as i think neil lennon has done a fantastic job there and they are rising the table, but looking at the stats i think we were unlucky not to grab the 3 points! another clean sheet though, and on good form leading into the MASSIVE game next weekend against middlesborough!! would like to see hyam, the bish and bru in the heart of midfield too, but whatever MM does i will be happy with, COYB!
2

kuyski added 17:33 - Dec 13
There‘s haven't a team can win every game,good performance for the 2nd half,coming next 2 games will be a very hard test for another 2 form teams challenge.
COYB

1

50yearsablue added 17:34 - Dec 13
Interesting stats. Bolton had 56% possession but only 7 shots and none on target. Unusual for us this season to have 19 shots without scoring but we shouldn't be too hard on the team. The win at home and draw away promotion formula will be fine for the next 2 games
2

runaround added 17:35 - Dec 13
Mick will always be happy with a point away & considering Bolton's recent home record, it's a decent point.
That said the fact we would have gone too with a win but instead we end up 4th has left a slight tinge of disappointment.
Still great to be up there & next Saturday will be a massive match, hoping all Town get the perfect Christmas present of 3 points & a top 2 place!
2

jas0999 added 17:49 - Dec 13
This is a decent result, no more no less. The problem is other teams won and this is certainly a game you need to win if automatic promotion remains a reality. That said, it's another away point, yet another game where a team has failed to beat us and a clean sheet. I still think if we end up falling just short this year it will be due to the lack of midfield goals. The better teams have a midfield player who scores ten or so. Our midfield although very hard working, won't score ten between them. A small investment in January may make a huge difference between success or not. However, what a season so far!
8

TractorBeezer added 18:13 - Dec 13
I agree with MM that a point was quite acceptable today. While we had the upper hand in the second half, there weren't really any clear cut chances and Lonergan was on his game. Also, factor in that we were the away team and the game was played in heavy rain.
We are a hard team to beat and are in a great position prior to Christmas.
UTTBs!
2

therein61 added 18:22 - Dec 13
I watched online(eplsite/stream) as Bolton is a trek from Bath as it is from Suffolk,but full credit to the fans who made it and made their presence felt very loudly!! while a point as mentioned against an in form Bolton is a good one we had the most chances and on another day 3 points would have been in the bag! for me although he was unlucky with one and should have scored with another(probably amazed to find himself in front of the keeper)Jay Tabb was our man of the match he popped up everywhere to great effect and covered a below par Tyrone(dreaming of the premiership!?) and bailed him out on several occasions, just shows what a great togetherness we have in the squad, all in all that point could be precious onwards&upwards you lovely lads.
3

oldegold added 18:41 - Dec 13
Must admit my heart sank this morning when MM showed his natural defence first characteristics and said that a point would suffice This lack of devil has cost us dearly in the past and explains why we have never till recently been protagonists but only also rans. A point against a fast rising Bolton is perfectly acceptable and overall we shaded the game and should have had 3 points but it would be great if MM could throw caution to the wind and just play for 3 points from the off...we would be top now with a more naturally attack minded game. Not complaining too much though and upwards and onwards.
1

airliner added 18:54 - Dec 13
A year ago we would have been done by Bolton. We are a strong cohesive team now and need to take it to the Boro next week at home. This will go to the wire no doubt.
5

warktheline added 18:57 - Dec 13
Could have won, but a point is ok, we are well in the mix, and I can't wait for the Boro game. We have no one to fear in this league, Mick really has stepped up the level of play over the last couple of months, and the boys are getting the respect they deserve.
7

gorse added 19:03 - Dec 13
Yes 4th but it's so incredibly tight it doesn't make any real difference at this stage. Several teams have hit top and started to slip up, and the main thing is to not start losing games and thereby morale & momentum, IMO. Let's continue to keep it tidy when the football gods aren't smiling on us, like today. COYB!
3

blueboy1981 added 19:04 - Dec 13
......... a point is a point - but the foot cannot come off the gas, this game should have been winnable if we intend to hang in there.

Far too many backward and sideways passes today to be serious about winning this from the start - MM's mission would have been a point today, and it was achieved

A must win against Boro' next week - otherwise the 'reeling in' will continue ............. !!
-6

battyblue added 19:11 - Dec 13
Must admit a tad disappointed with the point we had enough chances to make it three just goes to show how my expectations are higher than they have been for a long time, good to see mcgoldrick getting better with each game and a confident keeper who comes and collects crosses.
4

Jimmy86 added 19:19 - Dec 13
They say draw your away games and win your home, so fingers crossed we beat borough next Saturday as it will make this point slightly better. An away point against a much improved Bolton is no bad thing, but if we are to gain automatic promotion then it's the sort of game we should be winning. A massive opportunity to go top sadly missed, but sounds like we created numerous chances but just failed to take them. Onwards and upwards COYB
5

Kirbmeister added 19:45 - Dec 13
Record since Narwich game
P17 W9 D7 L1 F28 A15 P34
6

NoelTheDub added 21:45 - Dec 13
Saw the game today and think Bolton were there for the taking yes they have improved but our lack of attack when we can is so limited only our 2 strikers are any danger.I agree Tabb should have got 1 or 2 and put in some shift fair play but as a team we have to work so hard to get any chances.I still cant understand why a bit of pace is not introduced late on when teams are pinning us back.Having said all that we are clearly the most hardest working team but where that will take up in the end nobody knows.I believe Ambrose could supply a cutting pass he is worth a start or put on earlier. Its been a super time at Town long my it last well done everyone today great shift for our club...
1

jabberjackson added 21:53 - Dec 13
It is scary how so many posters on this site are taking as if it is now our divine right to get promoted and anything else is failure
Support, hope, enjoy the wins when they come. But please keep a handle on the progress we have made, and keep feet firmly on ground
Otherwise the pressure we apply as fans will be our undoing...
10

airliner added 22:12 - Dec 13
Nobody thinks we have any divine right to anything. We are where we are by the hard work of our manager and assistant terry , lets just be happy where we are.
3

buntITFC added 22:35 - Dec 13
Travelled down from Edinburgh to watch the boys today. Sadly we couldn't go away with all 3 points which would have been fully deserved. But a point and a clean sheet will do. We dominated the second half and just needed to be a bit sharper with some chances that came our way. Tabb for one, although he was fantastic today. I've run out of superlatives for McGoldrick and how invaluable he is for us in our build up play. He absolutely dominated on the ball all afternoon.
Onwards and upwards.
5

oddball added 23:11 - Dec 13
Yet another dichead comment from 1981.
-4


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