Bolton Wanderers fans got an unlikely early Christmas present, as Wanderers managed to beat high flying Cardiff City at The Macron 2-0, thanks to goals from Gary Madine and Josh Vela.

It wasn’t the greatest game, but a win is a win.

Anyway, here are my player ratings:

Ben Alnwick - 6.5

Alnwick didn’t do much at all during the game, with Cardiff failing to register a shot on target. Points were deducted for his distribution, which could have been better.

Mark Little - 7

A welcome return to the side. Despite Junior Hoilett causing him some problems early on, Little was as solid as ever in defence.

David Wheater - 7

Kept Omar Bogle and Zohore quiet with ease. A job well done. Also had a hand (or a head) in getting the penalty for the opener.

Mark Beevers - 6.5

Thought he was as competent as Wheater defensively, but some of his long punts up the pitch were either rushed or just completely the wrong decision.

Andrew Taylor - 7

Kept Nathaniel Mendez-Laing quiet. A great returning performance against his former side.

Karl Henry - 7.5

Bossed the midfield alongside Pratley. Was booed constantly by the travelling Cardiff fans who mistook him for Pratley. Wound up Lee Tomin and forced Neil Warnock to substitute him just fifteen minutes after bringing him on. Superb.

Darren Pratley - 8

My Man of the Match. Broke up play with ease and was everywhere on the pitch. His partnership with Karl Henry is showing no signs of slowing down. The definition of a captain’s performance.

Josh Vela - 7

Ran his socks off and was in the right place to bury the second for his first goal of the season. Can’t ask for more.

Sammy Ameobi - 7

Was a nuisance for the Cardiff defence for the majority of the game. When he’s on form, Bolton do well. Looked knackered as the game dragged on but he was still able to keep hold of the ball expertly.

Will Buckley - 6.5

Got into a couple of decent positions but wasn’t anywhere near his best.

Gary Madine - 7.5

Cardiff’s centre half pairing of Bruno Manga and Sol Bamba were beating Madine to practically everything up until the last twenty minutes. From then, Madine was a superb. A cracking penalty and superb assist earn him a higher rating than he would have had.

Subs

Craig Noone - 7

Played a big part in Wanderers’ second goal, and was an added burst of pace on the wing.

Aaron Wilbraham - N/A

Wasn’t on long enough to be given a rating.

Agree or disagree with my player ratings? Let us know in the comments box below.