Bolton went sixth in the League Two table, by making it six wins in a row, as they won 2-0 away at Oldham.
Wanderers are now on their best winning run in 21 years and best run of clean sheets since the Phil Parkinson promotion season in 2016/17. An own goal from Oldham central defender Harry Clarke then a goal from Eoin Doyle shortly before half time.
The match did hang on the sending off of Kyle Jameson – the left back a late change in the Oldham starting line-up, as Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was initially named on the teamsheet. Up until then, Oldham had started really well, troubling Bolton on both flanks, with Serhat Tasdemir and the man of the moment Dylan Bahamboula causing problems. Tasdemir had a shot blocked, while we were nearly done on teh counter, but Bahamboula’s cross was too heavy for Bobby Grant. It was almost a touch against the run of play when Antoni Sarcevic started it all off with a great ball, it was worked out to the right and Gethin Jones’ ball across was turned in by Clarke, on his birthday nonethless.
Jameson was sent off 10 minutes later for a dangerous challenge on Nathan Delfouneso, who thankfully got to his feet and was able to continue. It was also good to see our players stand their ground in the aftermath of that.
From there, we controlled the game – completely and utterly controlled it. Dapo Afolayan, who was tested tonight on his tracking back but very good going forward, managed to hit the woodwork, and Doyle followed up to score his 13th goal this season.
That was the game done as a contest before half time, as long as we didn’t do anything silly, and we didn’t. Not until the last few minutes did Oldham even look like a threat. We were able to pass them do death, we pressed well, we had chances, through Declan John, through a Doyle free kick which wasn’t far away, from Sarcevic. Marcus Maddison was able to get some minutes and looked bright, although he rather shanked the best opportunity he got.
Oldham had a few chances towards the end, but ultimately, it was comfortable night for us, and there’s a feel good factor. Let’s hope it continues.