Bolton made it four unbeaten as their incredible start to the season continued with a 1-0 win over Birmingham on Wednesday night.
Wanderers have developed a tendency to grow into games this season – only one goal has been scored in the first half of any game so far and it proved to be the same story again last night. At times, it was a difficult half – with Jota giving Andy Taylor a few headaches and Ben Alnwick having to make a superb save – Alnwick would ultimately help us stay in the game with quite a few saves.
The second half proved better though. Phil Parkinson changed his wide men – with Yanic Wildschut and Craig Noone coming off, to be replaced by Will Buckley and Sammy Ameobi, the latter changing the game. Bolton eventually got the only goal of the game, a cross from the left tipped away by Lee Camp, only to Ameobi, who lofted the ball back across to Buckley and Josh Magennis who were both there. The PA announcer gave it to Ameobi, Buckley was given the goal officially, before it was then awarded to Magennis. It probably went in off a hand too.
Erhun Oztumer played in the Championship for the first time as well, after Luke Murphy and Josh Vela came out of the side. Oztumer showed glimpses of what he can offer, his touch excellent and a great ball through to Buckley who could have made it 2-0 to Bolton. He couldn’t always get in the game though, particularly in the first half, but surely it’ll come.
We’re now third in the table, or joint-top if you prefer. There’s a lot of football to be played, but if fans want to enjoy it, or get carried away, do it. It’s the first time since 2001 we’ve been unbeaten in our first four games of a season in either of the top two divisions. Another home game this weekend gives us the opportunity to see the run continue.