Bolton’s Carabao Cup run started and ended tonight as they lost 2-1 to Leeds United, but a good second half performance meant Wanderers went out without disgrace.
We made ten changes from Saturday’s draw against Bristol City, including several debuts not limited to this week’s signings, Remi Matthews and Jonathan Grounds. However, we did struggle in the first half, with the midfield, with Erhun Oztumer making his competitive bow, unable to assert themselves against a Leeds side who had started the season impressively. Patrick Bamford eventually broke the deadlock for Leeds before Samu Saiz doubled the lead.
After the break, we were better though. Oztumer would score his first goal for us, with a fine finish from the edge of the area. Grounds, meanwhile, should have scored on his debut, but somehow put a rebound over the bar.
There’s no need to lose too much sleep over tonight. Although Leeds made changes too, it was a still a strong side which we pushed closer than Stoke or Derby were able to do. Players who haven’t had minutes have got them, and we weren’t going to win it. It’s a shame, but we now need to quickly move on to Reading.
Bolton subs:
Noone replaced Donaldson (57)
Magennis replaced Hall (65)
Taylor replaced Grounds (74)
Leeds subs:
Klich replaced Roberts (68)
Alioski replaced Saiz (69)
Roofe replaced Bamford (80)