Immediate Reaction: Sheffield United 0-1 Bolton Wanderers

It’s finally happened.

After 37 games without a Championship away win, Bolton Wanderers have finally won away from home after 999 days, beating high flying Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

The odds were stacked against Wanderers when it was revealed before the match that several first team players would be absent through injury. Andrew Taylor, Craig Noone and Sammy Ameobi all missed the match.

The injuries forced Phil Parkinson into making a drastic tactical change.

The 3-5-2 formation which Wanderers used to great effect last season returned. Adam Le Fondre partnered Gary Madine up front, with Filipe Morais, Josh Cullen and Reece Burke also returning to the starting XI.

After what happened last season, Gary Madine needed to make a statement. He did just that.

21 minutes into the game, Big Gary knocked Antonee Robinson’s cross into the net to give Wanderers the lead.

Thankfully, Wanderers held on to claim a priceless win.

What a result, especially when you consider the fact that everyone around us picked up points as well.

Wanderers are back at it on New Years Day against Hull City.