Bolton made it through the opening round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2017 with a penalty shootout victory over Barnsley last night.
The match finished goalless within the 90 minutes, with the tie against Championship opposition going straight to spot kicks. Barnsley went first, and the standard of spot kicks from both sides was very good, with Antoni Sarcevic’s opening effort probably the best of the lot, lashing it in the top left corner t. The first four from each side went in, but then substitute Devante Cole saw his effort saved by Joel Dixon, before Josh Sheehan scored to put us into tonight’s second round draw.
There was a lot to like within the match itself too. It was a bit of a shaky start, which isn’t too much of a surprise given Barnsley do like to play at a high intensity, and that they’re in theory a better team. Cauley Woodrow had the ball in the net but offside was given. They had a few chances in the opening 15 minutes, with our first chance coming shortly after, with Sarcevic’s lob going over the bar.
As the half, as the match got on, we got better. We looked composed, although that frustratingly didn’t translate into a lot of out and out chances. Sarcevic dragged one wide just before half time. It was struggling to stick up front, so Amadou Bakayoko’s introduction in the second half was welcome. Josh Sheehan had a late chance to win the game within the 90 minutes, but that was saved by Jack Walton and Bakayoko just couldn’t head in the ball when he had a chance.
But ultimately, it was a night for Bolton fans to be proud of the side. MJ Williams deserves praise too, he was his at his best, being that uncompromising presence in the middle of the park.
The second round tie will be played in a fortnight, Premier League clubs not in Europe enter at this stage. Wanderers won’t have too far to travel whatever happens, as again the draw will be done on a North/South split.