Bolton Match Zone

Bolton Surely Seal Progression With Win But Lose Crawford To Injury

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Bolton will almost certainly be in the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy as they beat Man City’s kids 3-1 last night to strengthen their grip on second spot in the group.

It means that Bradford will have to beat Rochdale by three goals in their final group game in order to leapfrog us. Dale could also go above us, but they would have to win by four.

The Man City B team, maybe even a C team given some of the youngsters were with the first team squad for their Carabao Cup game, showed the style of play which is used throughout all of the club, liberally passing it around the back, involving the keeper, and feeling very comfortable doing it. At times, they would threaten Bolton, but apart from an own goal to equalise, their finishing wasn’t there.

Our finishing was, and we also had the chances to get at the young side. Ali Crawford would open the scoring, while a second half brace from Chris O’Grady would seal the three points for Wanderers, and inflict a first defeat on the City team, who have still won the group with six points. O’Grady’s first goal was particularly good, scoring on the turn, while Jason Lowe’s effort to set him up wasn’t too bad either, perhaps even underrated.

The night would have a sour end though, when Ali Crawford, so good for us since joining, had to be stretchered off after going down with nobody around him – usually the type of injury which invokes a long lay-off, something which Keith Hill confirmed in his post match interview.

Despite the Crawford injury, the goals, back-to-back wins, a first home win and certain progress (yeah, there are some out there who will call it a poxy cup) are all positives. Some bodies back for Fleetwood on Saturday would be nice though, footballing gods.

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