Bolton 2-0 Derby; Match Report

Davies and Eagles Seal Whites Win. 

Bolton Wanderers played their second game in the new Championship season against Derby last night, our first game back at The Reebok Stadium. After a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Burnley, everybody knew Bolton had to step up their quality. The Bolton team which started the match was: Bogdan, Mears, Mills, Knight, Ricketts, Eagles, M.Davies, Andrews, Chungy, K.Davies and Sordell.  

K.Davies celebrating with players after his goal.

The first half showed a Wanderers improvement from Burnley, however we still lacked something. Despite this, we still had various chances to take the lead, as did Derby. A chance came to Eagles in the 5th minute, after Chungy's wide strike Eagles used his own pace to race past the Derby defence, however he sliced it into the side-netting. Derby's Conor Sammon looked a force, he held up the ball well and could be a handful for some defenders this season. A massive penalty shout came for the Wanderers in the 12th minute, Mark Davies was brought down by James O'Connor after powering through from a great ball by Chungy. Despite chances being made in the first half, the Referee Pawson blew his whistle and the score remained 0-0. 

Chris Eagles in action with Gareth Roberts. 

No changes were made at half-time for Bolton. Owen Coyle must have had an inspiring chat in the interval as the Wanderers were a different side in the second half, much more quick and re-boosted. A chance came again to Chris Eagles in the 52nd minute, his deflected shot blasted past the Derby defence was nervously pushed over by Fielding. Sordell was substituted for young starlet Benik Afobe, who has looked sharp during pre-season. Afobe showed his talent in the 65th minute, Kevin Davies chipped a ball over the Derby defence, it landed in Afobe's path however the keeper denied Benik's efforts. More chances came for both teams, with Bolton looking more likely to land one in the net. That perfect chance was well taken in the 75th minute, Super Kevin Davies striked home for The Trotters, proving all critics he can deliver, a superb volley from The Skipper. This boosted Bolton even more, Derby were looking desperate and wasting passes and chances, Bolton definitely looked the more comfortable and composed side. Soon after K.Davies goal, Chris Eagles's battled through the Derby defence and smashed home the second, the three points were in the bag for The Whites now, a brilliant second half sealed Bolton the win. The Bolton team which finished the game was: Bogdan, Mears, Knight(yellow), Mills(yellow), Ricketts, Eagles, Andrews, M.Davies(yellow), Chungy, K.Davies, Afobe. 

Well, Bolton's first Championship three points is now on the board, Derby were the better team in the first-half, however couldn't collaborate on their chances, which cost them the game. Our next game is on Friday 24th, we face Notts Forest at home, kick-off: 19:45. Let's get some more points on the board. Come on you white men. Thanks for reading. 

The Bolton Blogger.