Let’s try and forget the off-field problems for one article. After the capitulation at Wigan a fortnight ago, the pride of the Bolton players was at stake as they travelled down to QPR.
It was arguably one of the most realistic chances of a win in the run-in, with us having picked up a point more than them since the turn of the year. Thankfully, we managed to get that all important away win, our fourth of the season.
Not that it was straightforward, Josh Scowen hit the woodwork as the home side started the better. But Josh Magennis, fresh from scoring an actual goal for Northern Ireland last week, was a presence up front yesterday, and although he wouldn’t score, it was his effort turned in by Will Buckley which put us ahead ten minutes before the break.
Callum Connolly then had a second half tap in that put us 2-0 up away from home, a position we hadn’t been in all season. When there was a mistake with the fourth official’s board and the home fans thought Pawel Wszolek was about to come off, there was a hilarious, negative reaction from the home fans who were mocking our club’s future.
There wouldn’t be a comfortable last 10 minutes though, because there never is. Nakhi Wells cut in and beat Remi Matthews to ensure a grandstand finish, but we would hold on through that and the five added minutes.
It’s no shock that Joe Williams and Callum Connolly were reunited in the central midfield area and we looked strong in that department. David Wheater and Mark Beevers played together too and hopefully that four will be the spine going forward.
Next week sees us play Ipswich, and if we won that, and results elsewhere went for us, the gap could be two points, although it should be stressed we have a tough run-in. But for now, we have regrettably an even bigger fixture on Wednesday, a second leg away to HMRC.