MOTM: Bolton Wanderers 1 - 0 Derby County - Jack Hobbs

On a day when Bolton Wanderers showed their unwavering support for former team-mate Stephen Darby, the Whites dismissed ‘United conquering’ Derby County with a terrific team performance, halting a run of 5 games without a win.

A sublime, back post header from Craig Noone after just ten minutes was enough to take all 3 points and his celebratory embrace with, guest of honour, Darbs seconds later, made the winning goal even more special.

Scoring so early, it was imperative that we stood firm defensively, and another accomplished 90 minutes, soaking up long spells of pressure at times, ensured for the second week in a row, the mighty Wanderers kept a clean sheet and limited the opposition to very few chances. This was a solid team effort, in which everyone played their part,

With a number of contenders for MOTM, in particular Jason Lowe in the middle of the park and a rejuvenated Will Buckley down the left, one man who is making his mark and demonstrating why Parky was right to offer him a permanent deal, is defensive stalwart, Jack Hobbs.

Keeping his place in the team, after a man of the match display at Ipswich last time out, the former Forest man again put in a virtuoso performance to further cement his position in Parky’s starting XI.

His calming influence and marshalling style at the back, coupled with his assured passing and willingness to fight for every ball, restricted Derby to just one shot on target from Mason Mount late on. David Nugent, a thorn in our side on many occasions, was made to look very ordinary and rarely threatened.

Commanding in the air, Jack won almost everything that was pumped into the box, He got his body in the way, blocked shots and refreshingly, rather than hitting it long every time, he passed it on the deck more often than not, to allow us to move up the pitch and retain possession (all 26% of it)..

He’s bided his time this lad and when given the opportunity, he has grasped it with both hands. He looks the business at the moment and, with Marc Wilson due back after his suspension, the central defence has been given a real shake up. The ‘magic hat’ song may have to be tweaked somewhat.

Wanderers will be hoping Jack can stay fit this season and continue his fine form on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke. Well done that man, great job lads

COYWM