Match Report following Bolton’s 2-1 loss at the hands of Norwich
‘A Bolton match on a Friday? A Bolton match on SKY?’ were the common cries of the BWFC faithful, waiting impatiently for the big hand to strike the 9 on the clock.
It did and we started positively, Darren Pratley taking a shot straight at Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy from a difficult angle. We continued in a similar vein for the next ten minutes before Oscar Threlkeld hesitated with a throw in, though in fairness he was given very few options, and gave the ball away. Norwich broke quickly and Cameron Jerome finished cooly past Andy Lonergan into the bottom corner, netting his 7th league goal of the season. The rest of the half continued to be relatively even with both teams struggling to create clear cut chances but showing nice glimpses of play.
At half time Liam Trotter replaced captain Jay Spearing, and Matt Mills took up the arm band in the latter’s absence. It would be fair to say that Norwich did dominate the next 20 or so minutes, with the likes of Neil Redmond forcing saves from Andy Lonergan before Cameron Jerome headed home a corner to double the Canaries’ lead. Max Clayton replaced Jermaine Beckford shortly afterwards and thanks to some sharp movement on his part and a wonderful through ball from Mark Davies he was played into a one on one against John Ruddy. However, the former Crewe frontman snatched at his chance, pulling a left-footed effort painfully wide. More chances followed for both teams, though the home side did look somewhat superior and so they should given their ability to bring on the likes of Lewis Grabban and Bradley Johnson on from the bench. Late on, Chung Yong Lee’s persistence earned him a goal, although a calm Norwich City defence held steady to secure three points.
Player Ratings
Lonergan 7- Another good outing for the former Leeds United ‘keeper. He made several good stops.
Threlkeld 4- Not helped by a lack of tracking back from midfielders, Threlkeld looked uneasy in position no numerous occasions and lost Kyle Lafferty several times- lucky the Irishman didn’t make the most of his opportunities.
Mills 5- He wasn’t necessarily to blame for the either of the goals, but was sloppy on the ball and had a frustrating night.
Dervite 6- The former Charlton man had a great first half in which he was tidy in possession and won everything though lost his composure in the second half.
Ream 5- Redmond caused Ream multiple problems, who also found himself unsure of what to do when going forwards.
Spearing 5- A quiet game from the skipper- probably why he was taken off at half time unless there was an injury? (sub Trotter 45)
Danns 5.5- Some nice touches and passes despite ultimately losing the midfield battle to Gary O’Neil and co.
Pratley 6- Worked as hard as ever, the former Swansea captain had a reasonably good game. He won the ball a lot though distribution was a little sloppy at times. (sub Cravies 85)
Mavies 7- Easily one of the most skilful players on the pitch with Lee. Great ball for Clayton’s chance highlighted the ability of Mark Davies.
Lee 7- Another good performance from the Korean. He had so much energy but I wish he’d had the gusts to stick the ball in the box more.
Beckford 4- The Jamaica international barely got the ball, and when he did very little happened I’m afraid. (sub Clayton 65)
Trotter 5- Did very little, but seemed to keep the ball.
Clayton 5- Great movement throughout the match that was only utilised once, and he unfortunately wasted that chance. (Note- I think he’s good enough to lead our frontline alongside a strike partner)
Cravies 6- A physical presence that should have been introduced ten minutes earlier.
So, of course I’m very disappointed to lose as I imagine you all are but to lose to a team of Norwich’s ability is less disheartening. I think we all need to realise that it’s the end of the Neil Lennon honeymoon and it’s time to get stuck into our tough upcoming fixtures.
This was one of those matches that could have easily ended up 2-2 or 4-1, so I don’t think we can really complain about the scoreline.
What are your thoughts on the match? Leave them below in the comments.