Immediate Reaction: Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Crewe Alexandra

Bolton Wanderers exit the FA Cup in the 1st round for the second season running, after losing 3-2 at home against Crewe Alexandra. It’s the third successive defeat against Crewe this season - following defeats in pre-season and in the EFL trophy.

Ian Evatt opted against trying some fringe players & played an almost unchanged side from the one that disappointed against Mansfield in midweek - with Liam Gordon replacing the injured Harry Brockbank.

The main positive will be the goals for Bolton. Good movement for both, with a terrific curled finish by Nathan Delfouneso for the first goal.

The rest of the game was hugely disappointing and once again - the spotlight will be shone on the performance of young goalkeeper, BIlly Crellin.

You could argue that Crewe’s second and third goals were mainly his fault, having been beaten too easily for their second & being in no mans land for their third.

At this point, it would be absolutely insane to stick with him in goal. His confidence is clearly at an all time low. He needs to be taken out of the firing line for his wellbeing and for his development - as making mistakes at the high level he has been doing is not helping the club or himself.

We’re losing too many games on the back of his mistakes & it isn’t fair for such a young goalkeeper to have to deal this kind of responsibility thrust upon his shoulders. He clearly isn’t ready.

Whether or not Matt Gilks is given a chance on Friday night against Salford remains to be seen, though something has to change.

There are plenty of experienced free agent ‘keepers out there - and Bolton Wanderers are screaming out for an experienced head between the sticks.