Wanderers scored yet another late goal to secure a point in their 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers at the UniBol.

It looked like Josh Coburn’s early opener would be enough to see Barton’s side secure all three points on the road.

But Dion Charles scored a superb equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time as the Whites’ pressure finally paid off.

Charles’ late heroics

The Northern Ireland international managed to pick out the top corner with a fine strike, giving James Belshaw no chance in the Rovers goal.

It came at the perfect time for Charles, who had been having a tough time in front of goal over the past few weeks.

The striker has already proven that he has the quality to be prolific at this level and will be hoping to push on from here.

Perhaps a return to Shrewsbury, where he scored his first goal for Bolton last season, will be a good omen next weekend.

Thomason injury blow

George Thomason has become an important member of Ian Evatt’s squad over the past few months despite the strong competition for place sin the middle of the pitch.

However, the youngster was forced off during the first half after falling awkwardly in an aerial challenge with Anthony Evans.

Thomason was able to leave the field on his own volition, but Evatt admitted after the match that the injury “doesn’t look great”.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson was also forced off after taking a blow to the face, but the Bolton boss seemed less worried about his condition.

Leaving it late

Wanderers have now scored 36 goals in the final 15 minutes of games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

This is a statistic that no other side in the top four divisions of English football can match, with Liverpool and Manchester City closest behind.

A draw was the least Evatt’s men deserved after putting the Rovers defence under serious pressure, particularly in the second half.

While the Whites can’t afford to keep giving the opposition a head start, the squad’s character and togetherness cannot be questioned.

Toal steps up

It was shocking to hear after the game that Ricardo Santos had been hospitalised with breathing problems, and our thoughts are with the skipper.

In his absence, Eoin Toal delivered another promising performance at the back and seems to be thriving at Bolton.

The youngster showed composure on the ball, and it is clear to see why Evatt and company thought he would be a good fit for Wanderers’ possession-based approach.

Toal also demonstrated his passing range, playing some impressive long balls and stretching the Rovers defence at times.