Report: Mansfield Town 2-3 Bolton Wanderers

An emphatic win over Mansfield last night has put play-off hopes into a highly possible reality.

It was looking like Bolton Wanderers were heading towards another disappointing defeat last night at the One Call Stadium against a strong, undefeated in eight, Mansfield side. After a poor error by Matt Gilks to gift the home side the lead early in the second half, Mansfield doubled the score shortly after through Jamie Reid. The game looked over and done with, and it seemed as if Bolton were set to leave Nottinghamshire with nothing.

With just ten minutes left to play, the attacking options on the pitch was plentiful because due to the score line, Evatt had to make positive changes. Delfouneso was brought on behind the striker, Shaun Miller was substituted on to the right-hand side and the man of the moment, King Arthur Ghanoua, was introduced on to the pitch with just 18 minutes to play.

Declan John grabbed a goal back on the 79th minute making this back-to-back goals for the Welshman in a Bolton shirt. This shortly followed by an equalising goal from a dangerous cross into the box from that man again, Declan John. It is fair to say, he has made some start to his Bolton career so far! The “never say die” attitude was in full swing as the Whites pushed on for a winner in the last five minutes. Never content for a point, the players showed great character to push themselves to the limit to go and secure a dramatic comeback.

And did they ever!

A neatly chipped pass by new midfielder, MJ Williams, and good hold up play by Doyle meant the ball was placed into the path of Ghanoua just outside the edge of the box. A curling right-footed attempt was smashed into the back of the net and the Whites were in front. Wanderers seem to be making a habit of salvaging points from losing positions. They have been three goals behind away from home for the third time this season, but this time, it was a comeback taking all three points.

You can only admire the team spirit and desire shown by the players last night, a game that could be a season-defining three points. Just five points off the play-offs, it is time to start believing in this team that is only going to get stronger. The January signings have proven to strengthen the squad and this could be seen as a very valuable transfer window at the end of the season if things go the right way.

All hail King Arthur! The local lad from down the road may have just changed Bolton’s season for the better.