Player Ratings: Bolton 3 Port Vale 1

Mark Howard: 8

What a solid signing this guy has been. Not a great deal to do today and wasn't at fault for their goal. A great flying finger tip save in the second half followed an earlier great block. His distribution was nailed on as well.

Lawrie Wilson: 9

Shorn locks did for Samson but not our Lawrie. Undoubtably his best performance in a Wanderers shirt. Linked up well with Ameobi, had Ryan Taylor in his pocket and what a goal!

David Wheater: 7

A favourite of mine it has to be said. Could've been a legend for Bolton but for the injuries. Today he was just great. Had an air shot instead of a clearance and partially at fault for the goal but otherwise made defending look easy.

Mark Beevers: 7

A class act. Simply our best summer signing. 'Only' gets a 7 because he was partially at fault for the goal and because the outstanding midfield of Derik and Trotter gave him little to do. Probably ended the game needing a run to burn off some excess energy. Yes it was that easy for him today.

Andrew Taylor: 8

A great performance. Thank all that's holy for that, as it means Moxey is benched. Linked up well with Clough, defended well and was effective going forward. Reminded me a bit of Simon Charlton.

Derik Osede: 8

Another one of my favourites and he didn't let me down. Worked so well with Trotter, it was like another Wheater/Beever combo further up field when it came to defending. His passing was superb. Oh to finally see Bolton not giving the ball away in midfield.

Liam Trotter: 8

Well who'd have thought. When I found out Trotter was replacing the injured Spearing I could've cried. I needn't of worried. Trotter defended well, got forward when needed and was even doing flicks and tricks as the game went on...

Josh Vela: 9

At last. At flipping last Josh has found his place in the team. After so so performances at RB and DM, Vela is born for his more advanced midfield role. He was everywhere and effective with it. Building a good understanding with Madine as well and his goal was down to good positioning. Came off on the hour due to a knock, hope it isn't serious.

Sammy Ameobi: 9

Sometimes accused of being the football equivalent of Bambi on ice, today it was a Torvill and Dean performance from Ameobi out on the wing. On at least two occasions he went into a melee of three Vale players and came out with the ball. He even did a last ditch tackle on a Vale breakaway. Ameobi had me on the edge of my seat throughout the first half and dazzled all with his skill. Had a standing ovation from all four stands when he came off. Absolutely outstanding.

Zach Clough: 9

Great goal, great performance, Zach is back. I mentioned in my Immediate Reaction blog that his game against a hapless Port Vale was everything that Mavies should've been doing before his injury. Oozed skill and threat and what a cracking goal as well.

Gary Madine: 7

Madine was anything but isolated today. Vela brought him into the game and he gave the Vale defenders a torrid afternoon. Madine must be black and blue from the kicks he had but he stuck it out to allow his teammates the space they needed to get the goals. Our Gary could've had an 8 but marked down as he should've put away one of the four great chances he had. Madine needs a goal. His head didn't drop though and credit to him for that.

Chris Taylor: 7

Came on for the injured Vela with 15 minutes to go and put in a solid performance.

James Henry: N/A

Replaced an exhausted Ameobi with 82 minutes on the clock. Did OK but not in the pitch long enough for a rating.