Match Report: Bolton Wanderers 0-3 Middlesbrough

Former Barcelona winger Adama Traore and Britt Assombalonga ran the show as Middlesbrough beat Bolton Wanderers 3-0 with relative ease.

Going into the game, Phil Parkinson made seven changes to the starting line-up as he aimed for a better performance than the heavy 4-0 defeat to Hull City before the international break.

Ben Alnwick, Antonee Robinson, David Wheater, Stephen Darby, Darren Pratley, Derik Osede and debutant Craig Noone were all drafted into the first XI in place of Mark Howard, Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Will Buckley and Adam Armstrong, Dorian Dervie and Andrew Taylor.

The first chance of the game fell Wanderers’ way within the first ten minutes. A long ball up the pitch was chested down by Gary Madine, who turned and volleyed a superb shot at Darren Randolph, which was saved superbly by the Boro ‘keeper.

Five minutes later and Boro were ahead. Adama Traore’s persistence paid off, as he continually wrestled off challenges from Mark Beevers and Antonee Robinson before producing a pin perfect cross for Assombalonga who headed the visitors ahead.

From there, it was all Middlesbrough, as Traore constantly ran riot. Bolton did have some chances towards the end of the first half, as Craig Noone had an effort deflected wide, whilst Gary Madine saw a header destined for the goal headed off the line.

Middlesbrough would end the half 1-0 up having seen 71% possession of the ball.

Reece Burke would replace the injured Stephen Darby at the start of the second half, and Wanderers slowly grew into the game (sort of).

Ben Alnwick had to be at his best to deny Assombalonga, whilst Dael Fry fired over from the resulting corner when he should have scored.

Filipe Morais and David Wheater went close for Wanderers, before the game was put to bed with twenty minutes to go.

It was Traore again, who burst past Robinson and Wheater to cross for a simple tap in for Assombalonga.

A few minutes later, Boro extended their lead even further. Substitute Marvin Johnson’s drive from long range was tipped into the net by Alnwick, who should have done better with the shot.

Gary Madine tried to score a consolation for Wanderers in the final minutes, but again was denied by Randolph. So 3-0 it finished.

Still looking for their first league win of the season, Bolton Wanderers return to action on Tuesday against high flying Sheffield United.