Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Fulham: Immediate Reaction

It was a game that started in the absolute worst way possible but has finished with Wanderers taking a point against a Fulham side on a 5 game winning streak. It looked like it was going to be a torrid afternoon with Wanderers conceding after just 4 minutes but a substitution sparked life in to the Whites with Adam Le Fondre scoring a goal of the season candidate.

There was one change from last week with Tyler Walker dropping to the bench in place of Zach Clough. The 3-5-2/5-3-2 shape was retained. Starting for Fulham was 2 time player of the year winner, Tim Ream facing his old side.

As previously reported it started woefully for Wanderers with Matt Targett scoring a goal 4 minutes in. What will be a particular source of frustration will be that he scored, unmarked with his head despite Wanderers’ 3 6ft+, centre back’s. The net 20 minutes gave a grim impression of what the afternoon might behold for Wanderers but they eventually found their feet. Clough had a sublime shot from outside the box go narrowly over only to fire a golden opportunity in the box straight at the keeper a few minutes later. Ultimately it finished 0-1 and Fulham looked more than good value for a win.

The second half started with Fulham continuing to pass the ball around Wanderers and also go down under the slightest gust of wind. The game soon changed after the introduction of Adam Le Fondre and Filipe Morias however. Le Fondre found the net with his first touch of the ball in a goal that can already be considered one of the best scored by a Wanderer in my memory. From there the Whites were all over Fulham and were unlucky not to get a second. When the tempo slowed, Fulham got themselves back in to the game making for a nervy ending. Ultimately it finished 1-1 thanks to some sublime Wanderers’ defending at the death.

ALF will certainly be pressing for a start next game and he sure as hell deserves one. He was aggressive, driven, combative and most importantly, clinical. Clough will be gutted with his missed chance today but Wanderers fans should cut him slack. He has barely played all season and is doing remarkably well considering that fact. Strikers take time to re-adjust, give it to him.

Elsewhere around the pitch, nearly every player to a man was decent. Derik and Henry will probably miss the plaudits but did incredibly well to disrupt a brilliant passing team and that should be noted. Robinson, Alnwick, Ameobi and Dervite also looked mightily impressive.

On to the next one!