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The second favourites for the drop faced off against one of the favourites for promotion. There was only ever going to be one result right? Surely it was impossible that anything other than a West Bromwich Albion win could happen? But this is what Phil Parkinson’s Bolton Wanderers specialise in, pulling off the impossible.
Wanderers went ahead in the first half through new boy Josh Magennis after good work from Sammy Ameobi who was causing all sorts of problems before going off injured. West Brom then grew into the game grabbing a great equaliser.
Much of the second half was very even. Then West Brom grew into the game but never put Bolton to bed. As West Brom huffed and puffed Bolton gained a little more confidence again. A late corner was won following substantial pressure from the home side. A late goal was scored after David Wheater headed it goal-wards and Yanic Wildschut hooked it in to blow the roof off the away end.
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As West Brom pushed the Bolton defence was always in the right place. A minute after grabbing an assist Wheater put in an all important interception at the back to retain Bolton’s lead and by all accounts him and Mark Beevers were everywhere. Pawel Olkowski was always in the right place on his debut. Magennis was winning everything in the air. Gary O’Neil came on and took control. Jason Lowe put in a solid performance. Josh Vela was full of running behind the front man.
Those I have forgotten are not omitted because they didn’t put a shift in. Quite the opposite this was a wonderful team performance.
Bolton had two points after 11 league games last season. Bolton won one away game last season. Bolton were written off for this game at a staggering 7/1 to win. Bolton won, and Bolton do not care what everyone else says, we are here for the fight.
This might be the first game of a long season, but it is fair to say that on the basis of this performance we are going to have a team to be proud of this season what ever it may bring.
COYWM