Match Report: Bolton Wanderers 2-0 Millwall

Bolton Wanderers returned to winning ways, beating Millwall FC 2-0 for the second time this season.

Phil Parkinson made three changes to the side that lost away to Peterborough, with Ben Alnwick, Derik Osede and Jay Spearing replacing the injured Mark Howard and David Wheater, whilst Tom Thorpe dropped to the bench.

The first ten minutes was a scrappy affair, with both teams unable to grab a hold of the game, the only memorable moment being a booking for Liam Trotter for a rash challenge.

Bolton took control of the game from there and were ahead seventeen minutes in. Jay Spearing's shot was blocked into the path of Josh Vela, who volleyed the ball into the right hand corner of Jordan Archer's goal. 1-0.

That goal was Josh Vela's fourth of the season, already double the tally the academy graduate managed last season.

Wanderers thought they were two up on the half hour mark. Jay Spearing's clever free kick found it's way to Zach Clough, whose effort was saved into the path of Liam Trotter. The former Millwall player bundled the ball home, however the linesman had already raised his flag for offside.

Bolton continued to dominate proceedings and nearly extended twice before half time. Former Lions player Mark Beevers cut inside from the left wing and forced a smart save from Archer at his near post.

Meanwhile, Millwall were forced into a change, as David Worrall replaced the injured Lee Gregory.

Jay Spearing then headed a cross from Clough onto the bar.

Phil Parkinson made one change at half time, with Tom Thorpe replacing Liam Trotter. And it was the substitute who doubled Wanderers' lead just ten minutes later.

Jay Spearing's corner found it's way to Thorpe, who headed the ball in at the far post. 2-0.

Sammy Ameobi nearly added to Wanderers' lead with a shot from thirty yards, but Archer was on hand to palm the ball away.

Millwall were continuously on the back foot, and hardly looked like a team coming the Macron on a five game winning run.

The Lions' best spell came in the final ten minutes, and even then they failed to really test Wanderers goalkeeper Ben Alnwick.

A repeat of the result at The Den just a month ago ensured Wanderers moved back up to third. Bolton will hope to make it seven wins out of eight next Tuesday, with struggling Coventry City the next visitors to the Macron.