Bolton Wanderers v Sheffield United - Men of the Match: Robinson and Little

Bolton Wanderers lost by a goal to nil to a functional, if frustrating, Sheffield United side last night at a rainy Reebok Stadium.

The team, on the whole, didn’t play particularly well, but there were some sparks of life, primarily in the shape of two wing backs - Antonee Robinson (on loan from Everton), and Mark Little, newly brought in from Bristol City.

In the first half, Robinson was excellent. Some tough tackling and incisive forward running was really pleasing to the eye. It’s something that you don’t get from Andrew Taylor and I would not be too unhappy to see Robinson keep the shirt until his loan expires.

Little was a bit quieter in the first half but burst into life in the second. Similar to Robinson, he was an attacking threat and drew fouls from the Sheffield defenders, often in important areas of the pitch.

Like most of his Bolton teammates, the final ball could have been a little better, but that’s just nitpicking. I was impressed by both and think they deserve to keep their places for the Ipswich Town game at weekend.

One final point was the Gary Madine-inspired brawl in the second half. I have never been more proud of the lad. When the Sheffield defender fell like a sack of spuds after a nothing challenge, Madine went over and prodded the lad, lifting him by his shirt, showing just how little he thought of the reaction.

It was something and nothing, but I liked it. He almost made this MOTM a three way dance, as his performance was very good. I just wish we had more people with that sort of attitude.