Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 0-3 Middlesborough

Here's my opinion on how each player fared in our resounding defeat at the weekend.

Ben Alnwick - 6

My preferred 'keeper of the two struggled to impress despite being given his chance by gaffer Phil Parkinson following Howard's stint for the first five games. Conceding three goals and at fault for the third, Alnwick has a battle on his hands to remain the favoured of the two between the post, although Howard hasn't been much better recently anyway. Hoping for an improvement should he be handed a second chance against Sheffield United, 6.

Stephen Darby - 4

A strange selection considering he's been left out the squad for the last few weeks having failed to impress in the opening couple of games, and his performance on Saturday wasn't much better. Darby's endured a lot of criticism since the start of the season suggesting this may be a little harsh but his performances aren't doing a lot to help change the opinion of most Wanderers fans. Little remains to be my preferred right back and I hope replaces him tonight.

David Wheater - 6

His first game back from injury and despite initially appearing to be off the pace against Leeds, he showed us what we've been missing. With centre back partner Mark Beevers struggling to replicate his form of last season and Reece Burke being rested, the solidarity of the defence rested on Wheater's shoulders against his former club and the result suggested he failed despite easily being the most solid of there back four on Saturday. I hope he's fit for tonight and will begin to feature more regularly again from now on. I would give a higher rating, but conceding three doesn't really warrant a seven unfortunately.

Mark Beevers - 5

For whatever reason, Beevers continues to struggle to remain as solid as he did as last season, however, it can be forgiven that he was unable to keep a £15m number 9 at bay on Saturday. This fixture showed the difference between big spenders and those on League One budget and Beevers' performance reflected that most clearly. I like Mark, but he's yet to find his feet and adapt to life in the Championship.

Antonee Robinson - 5

Despite being ripped to shreds by Adama Traore all game, Robinson coped fairly well in his left back role on his debut and prevented it from being more than three more than any other player. I hope he will continue to be given a fair chance to impress on Tuesday and for the coming weeks until Andy Taylor returns from injury and will show us what he can really do when he's not up against players who are too good for this whole division, never mind us.

Derik - 6

An introduction which was widely requested by Wanderers fans prior to the game, one which I approve of and I was glad his was given his chance despite struggling to cope with Boro's attacking threats, although, again, I can excuse that. Would've liked to see him make that defensive-midfield spot his own but was forced off through injury unfortunately, hope its nothing too serious and will be re-introduced to the side at the earliest opportunity and as soon as he's fit again.

Filipe Morais - 5

Morais was put in at left wing on Saturday, unfamiliar territory for the Portuguese wide man, and without sounding too harsh, it showed. Rarely seeing the ball and unable to get forward as often as he's used to, Morais struggled to make much of an impact from the wings on Saturday, again limited by an experienced set of defenders, one of which on the brink of England selection which is unsurprising and I'll let him off for it. Morais is another who I hope will be looking to put things right tonight, 5.

Jem Karacan - 6

Bless him he tried but yet again, he's another who struggled against the recently relegated North East side. Despite showing some fight and being unafraid to put in a challenge unlike some, Karacan just wasn't his effective usual self, again unsurprising given the opposition, but I'm hoping that this is another one off, they don't get much more difficult than Middlesborough.

Darren Pratley - 3

No better, no further comment needed, you know the rest, 3.

Craig Noone - 6

None was thrown in at the deep end against Boro and yet turned out to be one of our better players, occasionally looking like an attacking threat as he cut inside and fired a few shots in as well as proving his reputation for being a set piece specialist, yet struggled to make much of an impact as Boro's dominance in possession meant he was another who didn't see enough of the ball, deserves another chance to prove himself today, 6.

Gary Madine - 7

My man of the match and I think most Bolton fans' man of the match too. Despite being thrown up front on his own to get on the end of Alnwick's 50 yard hoofs with no-one to knock it on too, Madine did well to cope with a well organised defence and managed to nearly grab himself a couple of goals after turning impressively and getting a couple of challenging shots off, both of which forced saves out of Darren Randolph. I'm hoping he can continue his good form when he and Billy Sharp go head to head under the lights.

Tonight's game proves to be a tasty encounter and a good test as ones of those defining fixtures of the season despite their significantly better start to the season, lets hope for three points. COYWM!