Man of the Match: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Charlton Athletic

There were a few commendable performers tonight in amongst some dross.

I haven't had chance to catch the highlights but I don't think Adam Bogdan could have done much with Frederic Bulot's well taken volley and was fairly secure aside from that with a few smart stops in the second half when we were pressing and leaving gaps for the Addicks to exploit.

I thought Liam Feeney showed some nice touches and flicks in a reasonable performance with some fairly decent crosses in the second period. Certainly an improvement on Saturday's showing (editor - seriously?????)

Adam Le Fondre did what he does best and finished his only real chance with aplomb and really took the game to Charlton and particularly Roger Johnson in the second half. The impish forward made the most of his frame as he out battled and out hustled the big centre half at times in a valiant bid to create his own opportunities.

There were some real poor performers tonight but amidst that there were two real bright sparks.

One was Sparky himself, Mark Davies, who's 323rd return from injury lifted our supporters malaise and general 'meh' reaction to what was unfolding in front of them.

One move when we were pressing for the winner was of great quality that absolutely would not of happened without him on the pitch. The player with whom he shared this clever passage of play was none other than Barry Bannan, the heartbeat of our team and the only real player who consistently looks like he gives a proper shit about whether we win, lose or draw.

The on-loan Scotsman drilled three or four really searching passes which found their mark during the game and one which gave Adam Le Fondre a good half chance in the first half.

He constantly wanted the ball and kept it moving at a tempo befitting a team actually wanting to put the opposition under pressure and not just coast through the game.

Yes, not all his passes worked out but the invention in those that didn't quite come off has to be applauded.
I really don't know how one paced and lacking in ideas we would look now without his signing.

His assist for Le Fondre's predatory equaliser was Bannan personified; swift, clever play and determination all rolled into one.

As I mused in my 5 things article, he does need to add that goalscoring touch to his game and he has still to open his account for us but he seriously is a great little pocket battleship of a player with a silky touch and a range of passing that befits a Premier League midfielder.

So there it is ladies and gentlemen.

Your man of the match, Sir Barry of Bannan.