Player Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 3-1 MK Dons

So it was a lovely afternoon at the Reebok.

Bolton Wanderers won.

Let's cherish that.

Straight into ratings, then:

Ben Amos - 7

The former Manchester United goalie has come under pressure from some in the stands (and online) for a few ropey performances. A game against a weak opponent such as MK Dons therefore came as a blessing, as Amos had little to do. Two goalkeepers wouldn't have saved the one that did get past him, and so he keeps his points for that.

Josh Vela - 7

Another who had little to do against a weak opponent. Vela was tough in the tackle and solid going forward. In truth, he didn't get too much time on the ball but he didn't put a foot wrong.

Dorian Dervite - 6.5

The poorest defender we've had since the days of Zat Knight dealt well with what little he had to face. His usual trick of being dragged out of position was there again in spades, but fortunately it didn't cost us and so I can't really find much to fault in his performance....for once.

Rob Holding - 9

Excelling at right back, and now it seems that he is taking the same approach to playing as a centre half. Holding read the play with great aplomb, and his calm demeanour spread throughout the team with his excellent distribution and exciting forward runs with the ball which brought about echoes of Mark Fish in his prime. A truly superb performance and a really exciting prospect.

Dean Moxey - 7

Moxey got forward well and had little to deal with at the back. He could have scored, too, with a dipping shot in the second half. There is little to no chance that Jose Casado will see first team action again unless Moxey suffers an injury or a devastating drop in form.

Liam Trotter - 7

I've seen a few people online losing their minds about old Trots. Granted he performed well in a holding role, and mopped up well during MK Dons few attacks - but let's all calm down. He was up against a piss-poor opponent and was tidy at best - though for him this is a good thing.

Liam Feeney - 7

A tidy game from Feeney who, like Dervite, seemingly left his more irritating traits behind. He was efficient in possession and gave his fullback a torrid afternoon. This, coupled with some excellent work in defensive positions saw Feeney complete his best all-round performance in quite some time.

Darren Pratley - 6.5

Busy, if a little Johan Elmander-ish in that he ran around a lot, to little end. I suppose you have to take comfort in thinking that he wasn't as bad as he has been lately.

Mark Davies - 7.5

It has been a tough week for Davies, what with his proposed move to Sheffield Wednesday breaking down, but he recovered well and was his usual busy self. Some muppets in the crowd expressed their displeasure in his lack of defensive backtracking, but presumably they have missed the last six years in which Davies has put in exactly three tackles. I'm really glad that he appears to be staying at the club.

Wellington Silva - 9

The on-loan Arsenal man was brilliant. Every trick worked, and every jinking run came off to full effect. His best game for the club, and not before time. Was targeted repeatedly by embarrassed MK Dons defenders and showed them up as the pub standard cloggers that they truly are. If he could keep this form up then he would be a Premier League star.

(Jay Spearing) - 5

Came on with five minutes to go, and gave the ball away four times - one of which led to their goal.

Gary Madine - 6.5

He tries. Hard. I like that about him - but he's not a striker. What chances he had, he fluffed. To give him credit he was excellent in the air outside the box, but as soon as he gets the ball within distance of the penalty area he's next to useless. Shame really, as he does work hard.

(Shola Ameobi) - 7

In his final appearance for Bolton Wanderers, the former Newcastle United man appeared determined to leave in style and he certainly did that - taking his goal with great class and verve. He might not have set the world alight during his time at the club, but his efforts are certainly appreciated.

Manager

Neil Lennon

The Bolton boss has been under huge pressure lately, with his off-field dramas dominating his on-field failings. This game however, was a triumph for the ex-Celtic manager. Selecting a stable side allowed for familiarity to blossom and it would be a brave man who would bet against Wanderers lining up in the same way against Leeds United in the FA Cup next weekend.