Immediate Reaction: Harrogate Town 1-2 Bolton Wanderers

Wanderers finally get their first win of the season, as they beat newly promoted Harrogate Town 2-1 at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Clearly feeling the change to a back four wasn’t working, Ian Evatt returned to using a back three, making five changes to the starting line-up. Andrew Tutte and Jamie Mascoll were handed their first starts, whilst there were returns for Harry Brockbank, Ryan Delaney & Antoni Sarcevic.

The changed Wanderers took the lead just over ten minutes into the game. An Ali Crawford corner was hammered in at the near post by Eoin Doyle, who opened his account for the season with just his second shot on target in six games. Doyle’s goal was not only his first, but Wanderers’ first in the league and marked the first time they’ve gone ahead in a game this season.

Bolton were impressive throughout the game. Calm, composed and self assured going forward and defensively.

Harrogate did hit the post, though Wanderers looked in control for the first half & deservedly doubled their lead just before the hour mark.

Some smart link up play saw Eoin Doyle play in Nathan Delfouneso, who slotted the ball past Belshaw for his first goal of the season.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, as Town managed to pull one back shortly after. Despite the ball seemingly going out, some slack defending allowed Thomson to half the deficit. It was the only blip in a really good Bolton performance.

Thankfully, Wanderers held firm to claim their first win of the season.

Without a shadow of doubt, it was Ricardo Santos’ best game in a Bolton Wanderers shirt. Being moved into the middle of a back three was a masterstroke, with Brockbank and Delaney playing well either side of him.

Mascoll looked great in his first start, as did Tutte.

Let’s hope this form continues when Wanderers head back to the UNIBOL to face Shrewsbury in the trophy on Tuesday.