Bolton Wanderers bagged their second win of pre-season at Prenton Park, the home of Tranmere Rovers yesterday evening. The Trotters modelled the 3rd kit in this game, identical to the home kit, however different colours: grey shirt, red stripes on shoulders, white shorts, and red socks. The first look at this kit reminded me, personally of an old Liverpool away kit from a few seasons ago. Regardless of this, it looked a reasonable strip, typical Adidas kit to be honest.
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The team which started the game was as followed: Lonergan, Riley, Ream, Knight, Alonso, Eagles, M.Davies, Pratley, Chung-Yong Lee, K.Davies, and newly back from Team GB Marvin Sordell. This displayed team looked very strong, with alot of chances being made in the first half, especially Eagles's superb free-kick which was just tipped away by the Tranmere keeper. All the players looked fit and ready for the season. Despite various chances made in the first half, the half time whistle was soon blew and the score remained 0-0.
The first half seemed bright for The Wanderers, however a goal-packed second was yet to come. Knight made way for newly recruited Matt Mills in the second half, along with Sordell off for newly nicknamed 'Obi- Wan Afobe' otherwise known as: Benik Afobe. In the second half we created more chances, with Afobe already looking sharp upfront with Kevin Davies.
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More chances came and Afobe striked home his first goal for Bolton Wanderers right on 50 minutes, brilliant goal, assisted from Chris Eagles's awkward back header. This goal gave Bolton some sort of confidence boost and more chances were created, Bolton definitely the more dominant time at this point of the game. 24 minutes after our first goal, it was Afobe again to earn the second, a decent header past the Tranmere keeper, Fon Williams. The spirits of the players, and the travelling Bolton fans were very high at this point, and young Benik Afobe was most likely the main person on people's minds. 76 minutes into the game and a low pass from Kevin Davies met Afobe and he striked right into the bottom left corner. A fine hat-rick from the new Wanderer! Winning bells were ringing in the minds of the Bolton fans, and the chants started echoing round Prenton Park.
Tranmere's late goal came from Akpa Akpro, a close header which fired in past Andy Lonergan. Despite the late goal by the home side, this didn't destroy the Wanderers spirits, infact the travelling fans cheered with the Tranmere fans and started chanting "What's it like to score a goal", brilliant atmosphere from the Wanderers fans, and an excellent performance from the lads especially young starlet Benik Afobe, who played fantastic, credit to him. Surely one to watch for next season, just what Bolton need to give them a final boost in the Championship- a weekly goalscorer.
The team which concluded this pre-season game for Bolton Wanderers was: Lonergan, Riley, Ream, Mills, Alonso, Wylde, M.Davies, Vela, O'Halloran, K.Davies, Afobe.
Bolton scrap Sanchez deal
To also inform any readers who don't know, Bolton have abandoned their interest in Colombian international Carlos Sanchez, according to reports the free-agent's demands shot up to a ridiculous £2m upfront, £40k a week, and above all that a transfer next season if Bolton aren't promoted, his agent claimed to want a £6.4m contract. Despite apparently offering more than Premier League clubs West Ham and Reading, terms couldn't be agreed and Bolton will now look on to find somebody with the same talent, but less wage demanding.
My next report will focus on how Bolton got on in their last pre-season game against Barca B. Match Details: Friday 10th August, 8:00pm kick off, £10 for adults, £5 for under 21's or over 65's. Thanks for reading.
The Bolton Blogger
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