Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Ipswich Town: Immediate Reaction

Wanderers will ultimately probably feel disappointed with themselves after a 1-1 draw against Ipswich town. Despite dominating for large portions of the match and having a couple of near chances, we could only muster a solitary goal.

The line up saw a return to action for Karl Henry, adding some much needed bite to the midfield. Elsewhere Mark Beevers was ill and had to be replaced by Dorian Dervite. Derik remained in CM with Vela going back to a more advanced central role. Will Buckley and Sammy Ameobi started on each wing with Gary Madine leading the line.

The match started fanatically and Wanderers could have been up within minutes. That would be as good as the first half got however. It quickly turned in to a drab affair devoid of entertainment.

The second half told a very different story. Wanderers flew out of the blocks and didn’t have long to wait for a goal. Gary Madine slotted home at the back post to put the in-demand, front man up to double figure for league goals (the first Bolton player to do so since Chris Eagles in 2012/13). From there they kicked on seeing a free kick go close and shot’s from Morais and Madine go agonisingly close. Wanderers lived to rue the missed chances as Ipswich scored a goal helped by soft defending with 8 minutes to go. It could have been a hell of a lot worse when Ipswich hit the post shortly after. It ultimately finished 1-1.

The ref was absolutely awful in this match and offered Madine very little protection. There were worries Madine was going to get himself sent off at one point by constantly haranguing the referee about this. which could have meant a second yellow. Whilst this was annoying, we had enough chances to finish this.

Vela had a very poor performance which makes a couple in a row to my recollection. Whether the speculation surrounding him is the cause or not remains to be seen but perhaps he could do with sitting a couple out. Noone, Morais, ALF, King or even Hall would all be too glad to play there.

Worryingly we now have Cardiff City, Bristol City and Fulham in our next three fixtures. A small buffer zone before we play three games in which we’ll be lucky to get anything would have been very useful today, alas it is a chance missed.