Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Finally! We have finally scored a goal after 600 odd minutes waiting. Not only that but we got 2 and got our first win of the season! Unabated joy is how I can describe the feeling right now. Life is good.

Wanderers welcomed back long term absentee, Josh Vela back in to the starting 11 today with fellow long term absentee Sammy Ameobi making a second appearance. The full line up was as follows: Ben Alnwick, Mark Little, Mark Beevers, David Wheater, Andrew Taylor, Darren Pratley, Karl Henry, Josh Vela, Sammy Ameobi, Adam Armstong & Gary Madine (shots on target machine).

Wanderers scored 10 minutes in with a long range drive from Sammy Ameobi, a shot reminiscent of last year having cut in from the right wing. Wanderers were all over Sheffield at this point and should have had more. The game went end to end but ultimately was 1-0 at half time. 61 minutes in Wanderers got their buffer with a Sheffield own goal thanks to Pratley. To make thing painfully tense, Wednesday scored 8 minutes later to give Wanderers a nervy end. Yet we held out, through all 6 sodding minutes of injury time to give ourselves a first win of the season. Watch out for a more detailed match report on Lion Of Vienna Suite coming soon.

First thing that has to be said is enjoy this. I don’t want to go too over on analysis as times like this have to savoured and enjoyed - beers all ‘round. Hopefully though we use this as a platform to build. Our performances of late were more about the mental side than anything else and I think the break did this squad the world of good. We cannae fall in to old habits though and have to keep the feeling we have today and harness it.

Have to speak well of Josh Vela, the kid obviously makes a big difference. He got a standing ovation for his efforts today and that was no more than deserved. Chuffed to have him back. Staying on the subject of central midfield - Karl Henry was a very astute signing. We were way too soft before he arrived and he’s sorted that right out. He’s become the iron fist to the velvet glove that is the rest of the team.

Whilst I’m singing the praises of player’s, well done Sammy Ameobi. He adds flair, impetus and drive to this team, just as he did last year. It was a trademark goal from him today. We’ve seen precious little direct running this season and his return is bringing exactly that.

Finally, congratulations to Parky and the coaching team. He’s kept the faith of the fans throughout because we can see what a good manager he is. He deserved this just as much as we did.

Fuck any mention of the table - we’ll enjoy this for now.