Player Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Crewe Alexandra

Billy Crellin - 7

Important save in the first half with Crewe bearing down on goal and not his first one since of that nature since joining. Let down for the first two goals, particularly the second as the forward was given the full net to pick his spot, making a shot hit at power particularly difficult to save as you are having to react.

George Taft - 5

Struggling with his defensive positioning, the underlapping runs going forward are both intriguing encouraging but the teams overall defending is an initial concern

Ryan Delaney - 6

Particularly dangerous for us on set pieces which is very good to see. Wanted to give him a seven but it was difficult given Wanderers’ struggles defensively.

Harry Brockbank - 6

It was a tough night for Harry in a position that is unfamiliar. Some good tackles put in and he was his traditional aggressive self. He is going to need to work on his positioning to play in that position for Bolton as both players who have so far featured in the RWB position have impressed.

Liam Gordon - 5

Much better in the second half and is full of enthusiasm and wanting to make an impact on the game. Will probably want the ball more off Taft if he is to make that impact.

Jak Hickman - 8

Impressive debut from the former Coventry City man. Seemed more dynamic than anyone else on the pitch and his cutback in the first half was particularly impressive. Had he picked out Eoin Doyle there it would have been perfect. It looks like we have a good balance out there with our two RWB options

Antoni Sarcevic - 5

Still finding his groove in an area of the pitch it can take time to. Learning about his team mates and the pockets he can exploit. He does try and impose himself on a game later on. Much more to come from him I feel

Ali Crawford - 7

The Crawford we want to see, looking to pick the ball up and make a difference. A number of key passes in the crucial central area. Played a crucial ball into Shaun Miller before his well taken goal. Personally, I think Crawford will be the key man for us this season.

Tom White - 7

You get the feeling the Blackburn Rovers man could be key to Wanderers in this system. The glue to everything and always available when the CB’s aren’t able to stride forward with the ball. Seemed to be on a wavelength with Hickman as well, which is encouraging.

Nathan Delfouneso - 5

Wants the ball and wants to beat players but it wasn’t his night. Seems to be struggling to link up with Eoin Doyle initially but there’s plenty of time for that.

Eoin Doyle - 5

Desperate to make his mark at Bolton and maybe that is leading to him going wider than would be ideal. Seemed to benefit hugely from the introduction of Shaun Miller and missed a glorius chance presented to him by Miller.

Substitutes

Shaun Miller - 8

Really impressive, intelligent play by Miller following his introduction and gave Bolton a much needed attacking impetus. A genuinely lovely goal as well.

Gethin Jones - 6

Highlight was the cross that nearly found Eoin Doyle’s head. Seemed defensively solid and will have a big role to play as Wanderers tighten up back there. As I mentioned earlier, it’s an area of the pitch we won’t have to worry about with him & Hickman in place

Brandon Comley - 6

Seems to me that you know what you are going to get from Comley - I’d be surprised if he got a rating below a 6 all season