Ratings: Gillingham 0-3 Bolton Wanderers

It was the easiest of victories in Kent for Ian Evatt’s men against a poor Gillingham side. The Wanderers rallied together after a very difficult week for the club. The tragic loss of Karen Jones will be felt acutely by Geth and his family, but the whole Bolton Wanderers family is hurting with this week’s very sad news.

Here’s how The Whites fared on the day:

James Trafford - 7

Had so little to do, but when called into action did his job without fuss. Saw more of the ball with his feet than his hands, which is the signal of a good day at the office for an Ian Evatt goalkeeper.

Marlon Fossey - 8

Fossey had considerable joy down the right wing. Could have scored in the first half, and was a constant threat in the second. Chipped in with some important headers for defensive set pieces.

Will Aimson - 7

One first half hiccup aside, where he gave the ball away and let Gillingham in, Aimson was his usual solid self. The hosts’ direct style was bread and butter for him.

Ricardo Santos - 8

Those sleepless nights at Casa Santos didn’t stop Rico from being his imperious self. Sign da ting, Rico.

George Johnston - 7

Brought the ball out of defence well, especially once Gillingham were down to ten men. Played almost as a left back in a game where the hosts conceded territory without a fight.

Declan John - 8

John had some tidy touches in link up play. As has been the case in recent weeks, he was able to play high up the pitch. Finished his chance well to make it 2-0.

MJ Williams - 7

A solid game against an inferior opponent. A cynical booking in the second half stopped a rare home side counter attack.

Aaron Morley - 8

You sexy little man.

What a finish for the game’s opener. In the absence of a press from the opposition, Morley was pinging passes at will all over the field.

Saturday night and I like the way you move, Aaron Morley.

Dapo Afolayan - 7

Toyed with the opposition defenders. Managed to keep his head in the face of League Two plodders trying to kick lumps out of him. It’s a painful compliment that Dapo is paid every week.

Rumour has it that Dapo Dapo may announce his intention to represent Nigeria in international football. How fitting that the modern day entertainer could follow in Jay Jay Okocha’s footsteps.

Jon Dadi Bödvarsson - 7

Showed some glimpses when linking up in attack. Managed to seal the result with a toe poke in the closing stages. It must have felt nice to stick one to former gaffer Neil Harris, who let JDB rot on the bench at Milwall.

Dion Charles - 6

It could have been so different for Dion, who should have scored a first half brace. His electric form since January means that we’ll forgive him an off day in front of goal.

Substitutes:

Kieran Sadlier - 7

Looked lively off the bench. Picked up possession in the final third and exposed the space afforded to him by the ten men in blue.

Amadou Bakayoko - 6

The linesman’s flag denied Baka another goal during an impressive run of form.

George Thomason - N/A

Wasn’t on the field long enough to have an impact on the game.

Manager:

Ian Evatt - 8

Bolton were the superior team, and Evatt’s side eventually made their dominance count. Evatt encouraged his centre halves to play way upfield, with Johnston and Aimson often in the opposition half.

One minor criticism: could Xavier Amaechi have been brought on to give either of the wing backs a rest? Both John and Fossey have played a lot of football of late.