COLIN Todd paid tribute today to John McGinlay, the striker who drew a blank in last night's six-goal Burnden romp.

It rained goals as Wanderers moved up to second place in the table with a 6-1 hammering of Grimsby.

But McGinlay, whose goals have made him a Bolton hero, failed to get on the scoresheet.

Nevertheless, the Scot's high-energy performance was heralded by his manager, who singled him out for special praise.

"John McGinlay deserved a goal for what he put into the game," Todd said.

"He worked tremendously well with Nathan Blake. They moved very well and I know they will get goals. It just happened that on this occasion John hasn't got on the scorehseet."

McGinlay, who hit the post in the first half, appeared to have claimed his third goal in successive games when his shot lobbed over the head of Grimsby keeper Jason Pearcey. But Michael Johansen raced in to knock the ball over the line and claim Wanderers fifth and his second of the game.

The biggest league win for eight years came after a 5-2 defeat away to bottom club Southend - Wanderers only defeat of the season - and left McGinlay himself predicting: "If we played like we did last night night I don't think any team will live with us in this league.

"We were awesome."

Johansen, who paved the way with a terrific ninth minute strike, said the whole team had been determined to make up for the Southend setback. "Everyone wanted a better game than we had on Saturday and we were pleased that the next game came round so quickly," he explained. "We played badly at Southend and all the team had to do better."

Mixu Pattelainen and Simon Coleman, out respectively with foot and achilles injuries since the pre-season games, joined Scott Sellars (thigh) in stepping up their training with a view to senior recalls today.

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