David McGoldrick’s 55th minute penalty saw Town to a 1-0 home victory over Bolton. The Blues top scorer had been hauled back by Trotters’ keeper Andy Lonergan after he had dropped a high ball.

Stephen Hunt and Frank Nouble came into the Town side for departed loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe and Paul Anderson, who dropped to the bench.

Former Blue Liam Trotter was named on the bench for the visitors having joined them on loan from Millwall yesterday.

McGoldrick threatened for the first time in the fifth minute, shooting over at the far post after Cole Skuse’s cross from the right had been flicked on. Town’s top scorer may feel he ought to have scored.

A minute later, Lukas Jutkiewicz headed Bolton’s first chance wide from Neil Danns’s cross from the right.

The visitors should have gone in front in the 12th minute after Tim Ream crossed from the left and Jutkiewicz’s effort from the edge of the six-yard box was blocked. The loose ball fell to Mark Davies 10 yards out but he completely missed his kick. Once the former Wolves midfielder had regained control, he scraped well wide.

It was a fortunate escape for the Blues, who hadn’t really settled into a reshuffled 4-3-3 system with Hunt joining Jay Tabb and Skuse in the midfield.

On 17, Chambers crossed from the right but Nouble’s looping header failed to test Trotters keeper Lonergan.

Two minutes later, Tabb found Hunt midway inside the Bolton half towards the right, the Irish international cleverly threading in Nouble, whose shot from a tight angle was deflected wide off Matt Mills.

From the resultant corner, the ball was eventually cleared to Aaron Cresswell 30 yards out, the left-back smashing a powerful strike which looked goalbound until Lonergan got his fingertips to it and diverted it over.

On 27 Skuse required lengthy treatment after a clash of heads just outside the Town penalty area. A stretcher was brought on but eventually the midfielder was led off the field and around the perimeter to the tunnel to warm applause. Anthony Wordsworth took over.

Bolton had another good chance to go in front in the 34th minute, skipper Jay Spearing playing a deft pass over the Blues backline and into the path of Danns. The former Colchester man seemed set to score but Town keeper Dean Gerken did well to save his outside-of-the-boot shot down to his left.

The visitors had dominated proceedings since Skuse’s injury and threatened again on 39, Christophe Berra doing well to nod wide ahead of Jutkiewicz.

Three minutes later, the Scotland international was booked for a foul on Darren Pratley after the former Swansea man had got away from him midway inside the Town half. Spearing’s curling freekick flew well wide.

The Trotters continued to have the better of it as the game moved into six minutes of injury time, Jutkiewicz hitting a low shot wide of Gerken’s left post.

Wordsworth scuffed a shot well over after a corner from the left had reached him deep on the right, then at the other end Medo Kamara hit a powerful strike over from the right but the scores remained level at the break.

Town were rather fortunate to still be on terms, the visitors having had the half’s better chances and been in control for the most part, certainly since Skuse’s injury. Davies certainly should have taken his opportunity, while Gerken had to be at his best to save from Danns.

The Blues’ best chances were McGoldrick’s early strike, which he failed to get on top of, and Nouble’s shot which was well blocked.

McCarthy’s men had looked uncomfortable in their 4-3-3 system and had failed to settle after losing Skuse.

Bolton started the second period on the front foot, Gerken saving Alex Baptiste’s strike from the right at his near post.

Hunt won Town a corner in the 49th minute, Wordsworth eventually sending a strike not too far over Lonergan’s bar from 20 yards.

The Blues, with Tabb in the deeper of the three midfield roles, finally started to impose themselves on the game, Nouble and Chambers sending dangerous balls in from the right.

And in the 55th minute Town went in front from the penalty spot. Lonergan failed to hold onto a high ball under pressure from McGoldrick and hauled the Blues back as he looked to get to the loose ball. Referee Charles Breakspear pointed straight to the spot.

McGoldrick, who had had Town’s last two penalties saved, took the kick himself and smashed it down the middle to claim his 15th goal of the season.

The former Forest man, who has declared his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, went close again a minute later, hitting a low shot across the face of goal and wide.

The goal had given the Blues a spring in their step, Hunt striking a dipping half-volley which Lonergan claimed on 62, then two minutes later a corner was laid out to Tabb, whose wayward shot was diverted over by Wordsworth.

The former Colchester man flicked a Hunt corner to the far post in the 71st minute, Ream turning the ball behind ahead of Berra. Two minutes later ex-Town man Liam Trotter was warmly applauded by his old fans as he came on to make his debut for his new club.

Frazer Richardson was given his debut in place of the Blues’ earlier sub Wordsworth in the 78th minute, the on-loan Middlesbrough man slotting into the midfield — taking up the deep role previously occupied by Tabb - rather than his more usual right-back role.

Bolton sub Chris Eagles hit a low shot through to Gerken on 83 with the Trotters throwing players forward in numbers as they went looking for an equaliser. The Blues were largely content to sit and catch the visitors on the break.

Berra skipped past a couple of Bolton players, then struck an effort which was blocked in the 85th minute, then three minutes later debutant Richardson shot over.

The Blues continued to look the more threatening side as the game moved into injury time, Hunt’s right-foot effort scuffing wide.

Bolton never looked like getting back on terms during the final minutes and referee Breakspeak’s whistle confirmed Town’s victory.

While the Trotters had been the better side before the break, the Blues were very much on top in the second half and in the end deserved the victory.

Having gone in front via what looked a very definite penalty, Town could have increased their lead with Bolton, who ought to have been in front at half-time, looking very much a struggling side once they were behind. The Blues remain in seventh, four points behind Reading in the final play-off place.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Berra, Smith, Cresswell, Tabb, Skuse (Wordsworth 32 (Richardson 78), Hunt, Nouble, McGoldrick, Murphy. Subs: Loach, Mings, Anderson, Edwards, Taylor.

Bolton: Lonergan, Baptiste, Knight, Mills, Ream, Spearing (c), Medo (Lee 80), Pratley (Eagles 59), M Davies, Danns (Trotter 73), Jutkiewicz. Subs: Bogdan, White, Vela, Moritz. Referee: Charles Breakspear (Surrey). Att: 15,429 (Bolton: 372).

Photo: Action Images

Tonyitfc82 added 18:12 - Feb 1 I see Taylor being stopped by police with flushing lights coulple of days ago in his Range Rover. I overheard the police officer telling Taylor to follow him down the road. I dont know if this has anything to do with him not playing or anything. Regarding todays resuld a fantastic one. Still in touching distance with playoffs why moan??!! I dont care how we play or whom we play as long as we keep getting the 3 points. COYB.

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blueboy1981 added 18:18 - Feb 1 Yes - appalling 1st half, better 2nd half and certainly needed to be. Amazed that Nouble started, but knowing MM as we do, I guess we should have expected it. Mick always shades on the side of negative - there can be no other possible reason for Taylor not being given an extended run in the team, other than a personality clash. We just have to be more positive than this at home - can understand the crowd being what it is, and unfortunately reducing. Every team needs a player like Hunt - he was everywhere and contested everything - great performance from him today. 3 points is what counts - did we deserve it ? - just about I guess. We need to be better than this though.

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jas0999 added 18:18 - Feb 1 Was never going to be a pretty game, but a deserved victory nonetheless. Clean sheet is a bonus. Still feel we are going to regret not bringing in a loanee yesterday (for remainder of season). That decision looks even worse tonight with Skuse joining Hyam on the injury list and with Tunniclife leaving. 93 day loans are okay, but inevitably won't be available for all remaining games.i don't blame Mick for this. The Taylor debate is an interesting one. Clearly he has talent and although this wont be popular, sadly I haven't seen him apply it in albeit a limited number of games at ITFC. Moreover, Mick will rightly not have even impressed with his personal issue. For me, Taylor has not justified his £1.75M price tag, both on and off the field. For all we know, he could be a trouble maker. mick tends to pick players on merit and is a good manager. Perhaps it's time we respect his judgement on this?

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carlo88 added 18:25 - Feb 1 We are Tony Pulis's Stoke City
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blueboy1981 added 18:30 - Feb 1 ...... I watched Nouble very closely today to try and understand what MM see's in his game, and to understand his inclusion in the team - first half he was atrocious, second half better, along with the rest. But Mick knows best I guess - is all I can say.
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Jimmy86 added 18:31 - Feb 1 Another great 3 points today and it proved to be a carbon copy of the reading game last weekend. Poor first half, but we upped it after the break. To me looked a soft penalty but guess it happened so quickly i missed it. Emphatic pen from dids, bearing in mind he had his last 2 saved. 3 points 1. Why was nouble played for the full game and what does he offer?? 2. Why take off wordsworth?? He looked like he was doing ok and 3. As others have said why no taylor again?? He is prob our most creative playerin our squad and runs at people and tries to make things happen. Couldnt care less bout his attitude as long as he performs on the pitch!!! Good result and another massive 3 points. COYB

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irishtim added 18:34 - Feb 1 Can anybody tell me what makes Taylor the messiah?? Has never been prolific or brilliant. MM may be right. He sees him everyday, we dont.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 18:35 - Feb 1 As regards Taylor, it seems clear that MM has an old-fashioned view of the target man up front with the goalscorer. MM clearly covets work ethic and physicality over skill - and it IS getting results, if not plaudits. Didsy is the goalscorer, and his partner will always be Murphy or Knobble with him. I reckon Taylor will only get a shout if Didsy gets injured. That's not to say there's no issues between MM and Taylor. And I too want to see him, and in general more flair in the side. This website is often divided between the die hards who see the games (respect to them) and people like me who live too far away to go very often, who only see the results. Just observations.

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ChrisMakin2012 added 18:36 - Feb 1 @irishtim He's ten times the player frank nouble is, how that donkey gets in our team I do not know
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TractorBoy666 added 18:39 - Feb 1 What a poor first half that was! We had to ride our luck a bit in the first half but we haven't had a lot of luck this season. Also Marriott must be a better player than Nouble (which isn't hard) so I don't see why we don't loan him out, but he was signed by Mick so I cant see that happening. But however we win games I don't care, as long as we get the 3 points! Two very winnable games next and these are games we're going to have to win if we want top six. What a result that was against Reading may I add, they've scored 15 in the last 4 scoring none against us.

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iamipswich added 18:41 - Feb 1 Was Wordsworth getting subbed off as a result of poor performance or purely tactical? Sounded like he did alright.
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irishtim added 18:45 - Feb 1 @ChrisMakin2012. Nouble for me is not a great player. My point is what has Taylor achieved to make him out to be so brilliant??
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blueboy1981 added 18:47 - Feb 1 iamipswich - purely tactical - to counteract and man mark Trotter when he came on. Wordsworth is a class player - not recognised, or appreciated by some though as he should be.
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blueboy1981 added 18:50 - Feb 1 irishtim - Question: How does a player achieve - without a chance to prove himself ??
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Keaneish added 18:52 - Feb 1 Irirshtim - I agree he's not the messiah...but he could be! We just don't know as he's never given a run of games. I don't get it. He went out on loan, got fit, came back and he's been a bit part. Even over looked in the last 20 minutes when he's 'taylor' made to stretch defences… *couldn't resist the pun!
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ChrisMakin2012 added 18:57 - Feb 1 Taylor should be given a chance
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irishtim added 18:58 - Feb 1 blueboy1981&Keaneish. In my opinion i feel taylor has not got the work ethic required for this team. I don't doubt he is a good player. But he has not produced for itfc. I think he is a bit greedy therefore will not be a starter under MM.
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bluey123 added 19:07 - Feb 1 Did anyone on here watch the game absolute rubbish and if any of you actually believe this rubbish is good enough for the playoffs you are bigger idiots than I thought. McCarthy is a very lucky manager very average team no injuries yet!!!! His treatment of Wordsworth was beyond belief, team selection poor anyone who believes Nouble should start ahead of Taylor . I like to watch football not this rubbish.

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blueboy1981 added 19:16 - Feb 1 bluey - .... cannot disagree with too much of that to be honest - however Wordsworth was taken off to man mark Trotter when he came on (MM's words) - however this could easily be seen as another negative move to try and close out a one goal lead. I'd prefer (and maybe many others) to have seen him bring Taylor on and go for another goal. But that's Mick - and always will be - like it ,or not.

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warktheline added 19:19 - Feb 1 It's a result driven business.MM knows the score and doing extremely well with the squad he has.Iristim top posts again from you.
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blueboy1981 added 19:20 - Feb 1 ..... and bluey123 - you're right about the play offs - god forbid - if we were to go into the Premiership with this team via the play offs - we would be slaughtered. Performances like today against a very poor side - proves that point beyond any reasonable doubt.
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blueboy1981 added 19:22 - Feb 1 ...... but let's enjoy another Saturday evening - WE WON AGAIN !
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adamisablue added 19:24 - Feb 1 RE Taylor...Hes not the messiah..Hes a very naughty boy...
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blueboy1981 added 19:33 - Feb 1 ....... but he CAN play FOOTBALL - well too, given the chance. If there is a problem with his behaviour / attitude it's up to the Club to sort it / or him, one way or other by whatever appropriate means - and let's move on. At the moment there seems to be a festering situation as regards this Player - for whatever reason, and nothing changes.
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runaround added 19:33 - Feb 1 A hard fought victory & what could be a very important one. Apart from a 10 minute spell we were poor in the first half with Bolton coping much better with the conditions but luckily they missed their chances. Second we were dominant & fully deserved the 3 points. Considering we had none of our first choice central midfielders on the pitch for three quarters of the game, I was pleased how well we did in second half. Tabb & Hunt were outstanding & the underrated Murphy had an excellent whilst Berra was almost faultless. Didsy took a great penalty as pressure on him must have been tremendous whilst even Nouble who had been awful first half improved. Whilst we may not have the most creative team in the world they do stick together & work incredibly hard which is to their credit & having a system which the team all buys into can get you a long way. MM has done well to get us in the play off race but even though I suspect it maybe too much to ask of them to get top 6this year. If Mick can keep most of this squad together plus added a bit of pace & creativity in summer then I think we can really challenge next season

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