Gabe John casts his eye over yesterday’s performances for Bolton
It was a game of two halves from Wanderers’ perspective. The first half started slow for the Whites but gradually grew into it well and created some good chances but couldn`t find the equaliser before the break. The Second half was completely different. Wanderers came out strong and got an early goal through Keshi Anderson. Wanderers were on the front foot for the rest of the game but somehow couldn`t get past the firm Southend backline.
Mark Howard (6)
Southend did not create much at all, so Howard wasn`t really tested. He does look uncomfortable when coming to collect balls etc. He did have a ‘heart in the mouth` moment in the second half when David Wheater`s back pass was short but fortunately got a tackle on the incoming striker to stop him from passing the ball into the empty net. I also would not blame him for the goal as it was a smart finish and mainly poor defending.
Lewis Buxton (5)
A mixed performance from the right back. Very poor defending led to the early goal for Southend and really put us on the back foot. However, like many others he grew into the game and provided good width. He also put some good crosses into the box but definitely needs to improve on his basic defending skills.
Mark Beevers (7)
Another great performance from the centre half. The partnership between him and Wheater is perfect. They both complement each other well and have definitely steadied the defensive part of the ship
David Wheater (7)
Very similar to Beevers. A strong and powerful performance from the big man. Won every header and nearly got a goal in the first time with a combination of save and goal line clearance to deny Wheater his first goal of the season. Although like I mentioned he did nearly lead to goal with a poor back pass but luckily Howard got a challenge in before the attacker could reach to the ball.
Dean Moxey (5)
Similar to Buxton, it was a very mixed performance from the left back. He provided some good width however some poor defending could have led to a Southend goal. Also he looked like he was fatigued towards the end of the game, which did concern me but he has been playing the majority of the games this season so it`s understandable.
Jay Spearing (8)
Another solid performance from the Whites captain. He seems to be full in confidence and is really dominating our midfield play. Played good passes and held in a sort of a anchor role where the ball could be played back if there was no options ahead. Very impressed and will play a vital role in our bid for promotion.
Josh Vela (6)
A good performance from the young midfielder and he really is growing in confidence. He was a little a bit off the pace today but he still worked hard and made some good challenges to stop possible counters. Worked well with Buxton down the right and can only see Vela improving as the season goes on. A very bright future for the young star.
Liam Trotter (6)
Another good performance from Trotter. He seems to be a different player under Parkinson compared to the slow and sloppy Liam Trotter we saw last season. Made decent runs but also played his part in his defensive duties. I can definitely see him winning the fans over this season if he carries on with hard worked performances like from today`s match. He`s nothing fancy but he gets the job done.
James Henry (7)
I was very impressed with Phil Parkinson with the signing of James Henry and his quality showed yesterday. Struggled to get into the game in the first 15 minutes but when he did get hold of the ball looked a threat and played some key passes that should have led to goals. Did lack some match fitness but it`s understandable as he has not played for Wolves this season. But when match fit he will be one of our key players and I`m looking forward to see him play more matches.
Keshi Anderson (8)
A great start from the young forward. Ran the channels well and I was very impressed with his first touch. He was slightly lucky with his goal but it was deserved for how hard he worked all game. He was the perfect type of player for us as we`ve needed a quick and clinical striker and I think we might have found one!
Gary Madine (6)
Worked hard again and offered good holding play. He linked up very well with Anderson and they could form a decent partnership this season. He had a great moment in the first half with a bit of Bergkampesque skill. However he missed a howler, no, it wasn`t wide he completely missed the ball from 6 yards out. But like Trotter, with more performances like that and obviously scoring goals then he will win the fans back.
SUBS
Sammy Ameobi (7)
Very impressed when he came on. Injected pace and width into the side and put some excellent balls in that somehow were not put into the net. A very exciting prospect and like many others will play a key part in the bid for promotion.
Jamie Proctor (5)
Slightly disappointed with Proctor but he worked hard and it just didn`t really fall for him but that should hopefully come. He did have a few chances but failed to work the goalkeeper but hopefully he can find his form in the up and coming weeks.
Andrew Taylor (5)
Looks a solid replacement for Moxey if needed although we haven`t seen much of him in recent weeks. He had a very good chance towards the end of the game that he snatched at and failed to work the goalkeeper to only see it float past the right post.
Ref Watch: Seb Stockbridge (6)
Overall he had a decent game. Mostly gave the right decisions but surprisingly waved a penalty away when Madine was clearly fouled in the box just before half time. I was also shocked when only three minutes were given for extra time in the second half for the amount of time wasted from Southend players kicking it out. Although they were cautioned with a yellow card, so was Phil Brown for constantly shouting at the referee which was a bizarre moment.