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Bolton Wanderers took on Manchester City's development squad at Hyde FC's Ewan Fields and there were a number of new and returning faces on show for the Whites. The match ended 3-3 thanks to goals from Jack Sampson, a Dedryck Boyata own goal, and a Jan Gregus screamer for Bolton while it was a Jose Angel Pozo brace and John Guidetti goal for Manchester City.
In case you missed the commotion, the story of the match was really Stuart Holden who left after just 31 minutes thanks to a tackle from George Evans. The challenge was described as "a reckless front-on tackle where Holden got to ball first and it looked like studs could have caught the top of his foot" by Bolton fan Dan Atherton, who was at the match. Holden walked off the pitch and around the sidelines on his own power and was able to put weight on his foot, which is an encouraging sign for Bolton.
Prior to leaving the pitch, Holden had a decent time during the game. He wasn't afraid to go into a challenge but didn't have that much to do on the ball. What Holden did well though was marshal the midfield and provide guidance to some of the younger players in the team like Zach Clough and Chris Lester.
David Wheater made his return for Bolton Wanderers after eight months away with a knee injury. The big defender completed 65 minutes on the pitch. Wheater looked "OK performance-wise" but it was just nice to see him out there again. He was replaced by Adam Blakeman.
Alongside David Wheater was new boy Cian Bolger. The 20-year-old, 6'4" central defender started the match and went all 90 minutes. He reportedly looked good in the process.
Finally, young Jan Gregus also started and went all 90 minutes. He made his presence known with a sensational goal during the match's dying embers. Via Gaz, a fan at the match, this is how it went down:
@lionofviennaste Collected the ball around 30 yrds out quite centrally, took a touch, then smashed ball into top left. Keeper rooted to spot
— Gaz E (@Enty39) February 1, 2013