Immediate Reaction: Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Sheffield Wednesday

Bolton Wanderers recover from Saturday’s poor performance against Derby County to beat fellow Championship side 3-2 in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.

Phil Parkinson made seven changes going into the game, with Ben Alnwick, Antonee Robinson, Stephen Darby, Mark Little, Derike Osede, Will Buckley and Aaron Wilbraham all starting.

The first half was fairly even, despite heavy pressure from Sheff Wed. A number of chances fell their way, but they couldn’t capitalise. Instead, Wanderers took control of the game in the last five minutes of the half, and were ahead 42 minutes in. A Wanderers free kick eventually resulted in a Dorian Dervite volley putting Bolton 1-0 up. So, half time and it was 1-0. All good.

Nearly fifteen minutes into the second half, and it was 2-0. Will Buckley was brought down by Joe Wildsmith for a stonewall penalty, which was converted in superb fashion by Adam Armstrong.

Ten minutes later and it was three! Superb play by Derik Osede led to Everton loanee Antonee Robinson’s cross being headed home by Jem Karacan. Job done, right? Well....

Both teams made changes and Wednesday found a way back into the game in the 76th minute.

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes pulled one back, it was inevitable.

And just over five minutes later, it was 3-2, as Rhodes again scored with a free header.

As the game edged towards its conclusion, tempers flared on and off the pitch. A rash challenge from Barry Bannan on Filipe Morais was quickly followed by both managers being sent to the stands.

Thankfully, Wanderers stood firm and will progress to the 3rd round of the League Cup.

Antonee Robinson and Derik Osede put in performances that will surely give Phil Parkinson a headache over team selection come Friday.

If you want to see the draw, set an alarm. It’s (for some dodgy reason) being done live from Beijing at 4:15 am on Thursday.