Match Report: Norwich City 0-0 Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers left Carrow Road with what could be a valuable point in the race to remain in The Championship.

Following on from the 1-0 win against Sunderland, Phil Parkinson made several changes to the side to face Norwich.

Andrew Taylor, Zach Clough and Aaron Wilbraham dropped to the bench, with Antonee Robinson, Adam Le Fondre and Reece Burke replacing them. With Karl Henry starting the first of his two match suspension, captain Darren Pratley returned to the side for the first time since New Years Day.

The first half was all Norwich. With 79% of the possession, The Canaries were in full control, and nearly went ahead less than ten minutes into the game.

Unfortunately for Norwich, James Maddison’s effort from distance had the beating of Ben Alnwick, but not the post.

Maddison continued to threaten, but saw another shot easily saved by Alnwick.

City thought they had opened the scoring half an hour into the game, but Harrison Reed’s shot was ruled out for offside.

Moritz Leitner also had a golden opportunity to give Norwich the lead, but placed his effort wide of the goal.

Wanderers had some chances in the first half. Filipe Morais crossed for Adam Le Fondre, but his header flew wide. Then Darren Pratley saw an effort blocked and Sammy Ameobi also shot wide.

In an effort to stay in the game, Phil Parkinson changed formations going into the second half. The usual 3-5-2 was replaced by a 4-2-3-1, with Dorian Dervite playing at right back, Filipe Morais moving to the left wing and Sammy Ameobi moving back to his favoured right wing position.

The change in formation worked, as Norwich’s grip on the game loosened in the second half.

Wanderers started to threaten Norwich a bit more, but still couldn’t create a genuine goalscoring opportunity. Morais and Robinson linked up well down the left.

Later on in the game, Aaaron Wilbraham, Jon Flanagan and Derik were brought on for David Wheater, Adam Le Fondre and Reece Burke.

It would be two of Wanderers’ substitutes who would combine to create the best chance of the game for Wanderers.

Debutee Flanagan made a strong run down the right wing and passed the ball inside to Wilbraham, but the veteran striker couldn’t keep his shot down.

Late on, Norwich boss Daniel Farke was sent to the stands for the first time in his career for kicking the ball away. Later he would state he was frustrated with Wanderers for ‘time wasting’.

Wanderers, valiant to the end, held on to claim a priceless point. The draw moves Wanderers four points clear of the bottom three, great stuff.

Next up for Bolton is a local derby against Preston North End at The Macron Stadium.