Pre-Season Over,Let the Championship Begin!

 

Bolton Wanderers concluded their Pre-Season at home to Barca B, a team situated in the Segunda Division and came 8th last season. Bolton's XI which started the game was as followed: Bogdan; Mears, Mills, Knight, Ricketts, Eagles, Andrews, M.Davies, Petrov, K.Davies, Sordell. A very strong team which could very well be used to start next week against Burnley. 



Marvin Sordell's first goal with The Trotters.



Straight into the game and already Barcelona B dominated with the possession stats, nevertheless, Bolton played well whilst on the ball, and put pressure on the opposition when they had the ball. A youthful Barcelona B side were very good, skillful, fast and picking out passes superbly. However, Bolton matched up to their abilities and were creating great play and chances were flowing. Our first opportunity came from Chris Eagles, a curling strike which looked destined to land the back of the net, but only the inside of the post denied him, goal-keeper was fully beaten. Both teams had various chances in the first half, with Barcelona B player's Deulofeu and Araujo looking sharp. A free-kick on the edge of the box could of caused Bolton some real problems without Adam Bogdan's quick reflexes. A beautiful strike from Gustavo Ledes looked to land perfectly into the top right corner, but Bogdan denied. Bolton looked very organised in the first-half, a team full of skill, quickness and power, definitely more fresh than last season. The half-time whistle was soon blew and the score remained 0-0. 

Knight made way for Tim ream at half-time, as did Ricketts to Alonso,Eagles to Chung-Yong Lee, and Kevin Davies off to promising forward Benik Afobe. Barcelona B showed their talent and intelligence for the game in the second half, their first goal came at 52 minutes, Lobato caught onto a loose ball around 20 yards out and curls a stunning left-footed effort around Adam Bogdan. The Trotters didn't lose their confidence after this and kept belting forward to put added pressure on the young Barca B side. Bolton's pressure paid off soon after Petrov's bolt of a cross confused defender Sergi Gomez who spilled it passed the keeper. An own-goal, but it deserved to land the back of the net, Martin Petrov's cross was extremely deadly. More and more chances came for both sides, the best one for Bolton coming from young Benik Afobe who should of really scored, but a great save from Olazabal, this opportunity was soon forgotten after a disagreement near the half-way line, Keith Andrews and Araujo obviously weren't happy about something. Another goal game for Barca B at 66 minutes, the full-back Balliu tricked our winger Petrov and snuck to the right, blasting his shot past Adam Bogdan. Another wonderful effort by the junior side. Once again Bolton acted well to this goal, and looked determined to score again, the crowd was now urging the boys to get another goal- they did just this. Petrov's overhead kick reached Marvin Sordell who headed home for the Wanderers from six yards. Congratulations to Marvin on his first Bolton Wanderers goal. The score remained 2-2, despite both teams creating more chances. Benik Afobe looked very skillful on the ball, every time he receives a pass in the box he looks certain to score. Bolton impressed the 6,885 fans who turned up to the pre-season game, ticket money very well spent. The whole team looked one big force, lots of opportunities being made, passing looked satisfying, and the Midfield looked strong. Bolton fans should feel confident for the new season ahead, a great result, for a great team. 

My next report will focus on the Bolton result against Burnley. Our first game as a Championship side, on paper we look a much stronger and skillful team than The Clarets, however time will tell. Unfortunately my report on this game will be slightly late, as I am away for a few days. Nevertheless, I will be at Turf Moor supporting the Bolton boys, getting behind them! Bolton fans, be confident, we have the ability to beat this team. 

 

New Away Kit Revealed: 



New Bolton Away Kit. 

Bolton Wanderers also revealed their away shirt for the season earlier today. My immediate thought came of an Inter Milan or West Brom shirt, purely because of the vertical stripes. However, I do like this kit, it looks much better than the Third Kit. In my opinion, another great kit Adidas have designed for us. In this picture you can see: Marvin Sordell(top), Gregg Wylde(far left), Stuart Holden(middle) and Tim Ream(right) modelling the new kit. Adidas have headlined the shirt 'stars in stripes'. 

The Bolton Blogger.