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Losing by four to Rotherham United wasn't in the plan. Bolton Wanderers have, under Neil Lennon, been a bastion of defensive frugality, matched only perhaps by Rotherham's piss-poor striking options.
So let's run through some points from the game:
1) The Standard of Championship Refereeing
Darren Drysdale. Welcome to an elite club of refs who find themselves on my shitlist.
Barry Knight. Howard Webb. Paul Durkin. Wastes of space to a man. I hate them all.
Tonight, the Lincolnshire referee shafted Bolton Wanderers in the most uncomfortable of ways. His refusal to award a spot-kick when Josh Vela was hacked down in the box was one thing, but to compound the error by missing another clear foul as Rotherham headed up the other end and scored to increase their lead.
We do not forgive. We do not forget.
2) Neil Lennons' Questionable Team Selection
Conor Wilkinson and Andy Kellett were surprise names in the Wanderers team sheet. Well perhaps not so much Wilkinson, but the return of Kellett to the side came as a shock. The ending of his successful loan spell at Plymouth Argyle hinted at a recall, but I was surprised to see him play.
He was withdrawn after 51 minutes which tells it's own story.
He has a bright future, but perhaps the 'now' is less sunny.
Wilkinson is another one. I commented after the Liverpool FA Cup game that I didn't understand the faith shown in him by Lennon and previous boss Dougie Freedman. From what I understand it was another poor performance from the former Millwall striker.
Step forward Adam Le Fondre.
3) Paucity of Choice
We're down to the bare bones.
We're forced to make tough decisions such as picking Wilkinson and Kellett. Hell, do you even think that with a fully fit Wanderers squad that our beloved Eidur Gudjohnsen would be a lock to start? He's 75 years old for God's sake.
Bolton Wanderers need further reinforcements. I have no idea whether this Rochinha lad is the answer, but it's a start.
We have until 11pm on 2nd February (or February 2 for our American cousins) to bring in new blood. It's desperately needed.
4) Choice of Goalkeepers
Adam Bogdan or Andy Lonergan? Andy Loneran or Adam Bogdan?
At the moment there's maybe a fag paper between to the two. Ask me who I think is the better keeper? It has to be Bogdan.
Lonergan has undoubtedly been in superb form of late, but in my opinion the fact remains that Bogdan is a superior keeper who has spent a good amount of his first-team career in the Premier League, rather than Lonergan who has always been a Division One/Two goalkeeper.
Given the performance of the Hungarian against Liverpool, and the fact that Lonergan (and his defence) conceded four goals last night, I believe that the former should regain his place in the starting XI for the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers this coming Saturday.
5) Wolverhampton Wanderers
A very juicy fixture to get ourselves back in the game.
Neil Lennon will have torn the lads a new bee-hind following that display. I wouldn't bet against us managing to stick a similar number past Wolves as the boys attempt to get back in the manager's good books.
It'll be a good game, of that I'm sure - and a home win is absolutely expected.
This was only our second loss in 14. Not bad going for a team out on their arse with about 12 players to choose from.
6) Wigan Athletic - Now Eight Points from Safety
"@LaticsOfficial: Malky on good friend Chris Powell http://t.co/A3G7Hj5ywE pic.twitter.com/ctA6c9Wbv6" LOOK.EVERYONE HES GOT A BLACK FRIEND
— Luke Royle (@1Royle) January 23, 2015