Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Leeds United: Immediate Reaction

Wanderers have suffered a 0-1 loss at home to, now top of the table Leeds United. It was a match that excelled only in how scrappy it could be. Ultimately a £10,000,000 striker off the bench proved the difference between the two teams.

The starting eleven was markedly different from our previous game; consisting of Ben Alnwick, Pawel Olkowski, David Wheater, Jack Hobbs, Andrew Taylor, Craig Noone, Joe Williams, Jason Lowe, Will Buckley, Josh Vela and Josh Magennis.

The previous week had been mired in controversy and intrigue given the failure to pay staff on time and the barring of Bolton News reporter & friend of the site, Marc Iles. Most did wonder if the off the field problems would affect the days game.

The match from start to finish was a scrappy affair. Passes were misplaced, dribbles were unsuccessful and decision making was woeful - This was true of both teams although Leeds did have the lion share of possession. Wanderers did have some prime chances to threaten Leeds amongst the misplaced passes. These would unfortunately go unpunished due to a lack of quality on out own part. The goal came shortly after the introduction of Patrick Bamford. The £10,000,000 striker slotted home in a shot Ben Alnwick should have perhaps done better with. It was the only clear cut chance in the whole game and that is testament to the Wanderers’ work rate and stamina.

With all things considered it’s amazing that we did this well. I assumed the off field problems coupled with Leeds’ attacking prowess would result in an absolute drubbing. Our hard work kept that possibility from becoming a reality. This to me showed that the players’ were still playing for Parkinson which is good to see. The board may have lost all respect but at least management hasn’t.