Player Ratings: AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Bolton Wanderers

A second successive clean sheet or still no win in 2020, depending on whether you are a cup half empty or full person, was the Wanderers fans reward for a trip to south west London. Though I haven’t seen much of the Wanderers this season, it seemed a familiar story of some good early moments that faded as the game went on. Let’s have a look at how the boys got on.

GK – Remi Matthews: 5.5

A player who seems to divide opinion amongst the Trotters faithful. I can’t remember him having a save to make to be honest, however he didn’t inspire confidence either. He nearly had a kick rebound of a Wimbledon player and into his net in the early minutes, which seemed to knock his confidence. Mostly poor distribution and was slow off his line, though I temper this review with the discovery of him carrying an injury, which likely impacted his performance.

LB – Brandon Fleming: 6.5

Not a spectacular performance and I would have liked to have seen him provide more of an overlap option, however I give the young man credit for standing up to an aggressive and experienced campaigner in Scott Wagstaff. Wagstaff clearly set out to intimidate Fleming and found the Hull loanee up for the challenge and had little impact upon the game.

CB – Ryan Delaney: 7.0

Solid performance from the ex-Wimbledon man. Stood up well to the direct football from the Dons and formed a good-looking partnership with Nsiala in the centre of the Wanderers backline.

CB – Toto Nsiala: 7.5

Similar review as for his centre back partner, though I give him a little more credit for showing some good leadership by talking his fellow defender through the game. Not sure how many corners that the Dons had, however they never got a clear header on goal, so the central defenders can take the credit for this.

RB - Jason Lowe: 6.0

Tidy in possession but was unfortunately forced from the field in the first half with injury. Whether it was due to Lowe’s absence, but Bolton lost their way after the injury stoppage. Considering we don’t seem blessed in the centre of midfield; I’m slightly bemused at why he is utilised at right back and Josh Emmanuel sits on the bench.

CM – Luke Murphy: 5.5

A reasonable start as he got on the ball in the opening minutes as Wanderers played the better football, but rapidly faded as the Dons direct football bypassed him. I have to be critical that a player with his experience did not screen his back four better as the Dons tossed it up to their forwards, with the Dons midfield seemingly grabbing every second ball

CM – Ethan Hamilton: 5.5

Almost an identical review to his midfield partner. Some good running in the opening minutes, finding space down the left channel. However, quickly got overpowered as the game went on and never got into the game in the second half.

LAM – Joe Dodoo: 6.0

Often the best outball under pressure, able to carry the ball up the field and give the defence a breather. Some good flashes of skill, though the final ball was not there for him. Probably more effective hitting the byline from the right rather than the left

CAM – Ali Crawford: 5.0

Caught in between playing as a central midfielder and playing just off the striker and ended up doing neither. Still a player feeling his way back to match speed after a cruel injury. Wanderers most creative player who I hope we keep hold of, but it wasn’t his day.

RAM – Dennis Politic: 6.5

Brilliant and frustrating. Superb ability to carry the ball at speed and genuinely terrifies defenders. Too often goes for the spectacular goal rather than looking for a teammate. Probably also left Josh Emmanuel a little exposed against overlapping runners as well. Better decision making and there is a real player in there.

CF – Darryl Murphy: 5.5

I feel a bit for the big Irishman. Hamilton never got close enough to him and the wingers are more interested in scoring themselves than sending something in for him to attack. Came up against a strong customer in Terell Thomas as well. Still he missed one good half chance and one very good full chance, where his heavy touch forced him wide and the keeper could smother.

Subs

RB - Josh Emmanuel: 6.0

Falls into the solid but unspectacular category. Seemed to have a lot on his plate with Kwesi Appiah often trying to drift in behind him, as well as having his own man to deal with. Got a lot of good blocks in but didn’t manage to impose himself on the opposition with his own attacking runs.

CAM – Ronan Darcy: 6.0

Added some much-needed fresh legs in the middle of the park and had a couple of promising link ups with Politic down the right. A summer in the gym needed for him to be a key player in our, now very likely, League Two campaign next season

LAM – Anthony Georgiou: N/A

Not much chance for the spurs loanee to make an impact as Wanderers were defending for much of the time he was on the pitch

Manager – Keith Hill: 6.5

When the players get the ball down and play, you can appreciate what he is trying to do, something I never got from Parky. I don’t really like his personality and his signings have been hit and miss, but the players are definitely still on his side on the evidence of this battling draw.