Player Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 2-2 AFC Wimbledon

Bolton Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon shouldn’t even be spoken about in the same breath - but here we are celebrating a 94th minute equaliser, how times have changed. 10 years ago, Bolton had just signed the likes of Chung-Yong Lee and Ivan Klasnic and AFC Wimbledon had just won promotion from the Conference South. But here we are, how did the lads get on?

Remi Matthews - 7

A pretty quiet day at the office for Remi. Very little he could have done about the opening goal from Marcus Forss after a mistake from Sonny Graham on the halfway line. He was commanding in the box and rightfully laid into this defenders after any Wimbledon chance. He produced a strong save in the second half from Forss again, unfortunately landing at the feet of the Brentford loanee before he slammed in his second of the match.

Josh Emmanuel - 6

I thought he struggled defensively, good going forward but not as productive with Dodoo down that right flank. Not too much to say about Emmanuel, however he is our most consistent player so far this season. With the imminent return of Brockbank, this should add some much needed competition to that right back slot.

Yoan Zouma - 6

The better of the two centre halves. Should have done better for the first Wimbledon goal after being outmuscled by the smallest footballer I’ve ever seen. See below.

Jake Wright - 5.5

How many centre halves have you seen that don’t go up for corners? Utterly bizarre. Thought he was ok, but he and Zouma both didn’t deal with the onslaught of crosses into Wimbledon’s 6ft2 striker Joe Pigott – who should have taken one of his many first half chances.

Adam Chicksen - 6

Second half much better than the first, would probably have something to do with a much better outlet in Thibaud Verlinden on his wing. Possibly a victim of his own success with only receiving a 6/10 as he did well but perhaps a poorer performance than his usual high standards that he has set this season.

Sonny Graham - 5

Injuries to Luke Murphy and Liam Bridcutt forced Hill to play one of his trusted youngsters in the midfield alongside Jason Lowe. There’s no doubt he has potential and bags of energy, but technically I feel he isn’t there yet. Would a loan move be best for him? Probably, but due to our injury crisis I think he’ll be kept around. Other than the mistake for the first goal – I can’t remember much of Graham.

Jason Lowe - 8

Dominant, tireless and leading. Rejuvenated under Hill, he’s first name on the team sheet for me. A great performance from the skipper, in a very young Wanderers midfield he commanded and steered the ship well.

Joe Dodoo - 7

Gets a 7 because of his last minute equaliser. Other than that and the attempted overhead kick – a quiet performance from Joe. But let’s talk about that equaliser, what a header. Does he deserve a chance to play through the middle with Daryl Murphy? I think once we have more wide players back into the fold, it would be something I’d like to see.

Chris O’Grady - 4.5

Not a winger. Offers no outlet and would be better in the middle, but he’d be about 4^thchoice striker if I was picking the team. How he’s been starting out wide over Verlinden hurts my head. Rightfully brought off at halftime.

Ronan Darcy - 8.5

The best player on the pitch. I could go on and on about this lad. Set piece delivery was absolutely superb and ran his socks off for 90 minutes. Completely deserved his chance and he took it with both hands. Very unlucky with his attempted half volley in the first half, some harsh critics could argue he could have done better. If he performs like that week in week out, not only does he fill that number 10 role in Crawford’s absence but we’d also do well to keep hold of him after the season is up.

Daryl Murphy - 7

A sublime header from the former Ireland international to draw Wanderers level at the time. The first time a Bolton player has scored in 5 consecutive games since 2000. 19 years, bloody hell. Long may his goalscoring streak continue. We have players capable of delivering the perfect service to him in the likes of Verlinden and Darcy, hopefully we see this for the full 90 minutes in the upcoming games.

Subs:

Thibaud Verlinden - 8

A different game completely when he is on the pitch. Has that special something that makes you think he’s going to create something every time he’s got the ball at his feet. Are we going to keep him the full season? I would certainly hope so but think he could do a job for Stoke. Let’s talk about that cross for the 94^thminute equaliser. Inch perfect, absolutely ridiculous cross. What a player.

Dennis Politic - N/A