EFL pundit Sam Parkin reckons James Trafford was fortunate to escape a red card during Wanderers’ 1-0 win at Oxford.

Dion Charles got the decisive goal after seven minutes, slotting home after Conor Bradley’s cut-back was parried by Simon Eastwood.

Manchester City loanee Trafford was booked for bringing down Kyle Joseph on the edge of the box five minutes before the break.

Former Swindon and Luton striker Parkin believes it was “probably a genuine attempt to play the ball” from the youngster.

However, he says it was “reckless” and insists the goalkeeper couldn’t have had any complaints if referee Seb Stockbridge chose to send him off.

Speaking as a pundit on the EFL highlights show, Parkin said: “I think it could have gone the other way.

“It is probably a genuine attempt to play the ball but is it so calamitous. It is with his head, it is reckless and it could have caused an injury.

“I think if he goes with his feet, it is probably a clear red card so he is fortunate. He went on to make a number of saves in the game as well.”

The result saw Wanderers return to fifth in the League One table, with Peterborough, Derby and Wycombe all dropping points.

Charles is now up to 20 goals for the season – becoming the first Bolton player to reach this milestone in a single season since Michael Ricketts in 2001.

Ian Evatt’s men also have a game in hand over the sides below them as they aim to finish the season strongly and push for promotion to the Championship.

“Dion Charles has come right into form at the business end of the season,” Parkin added.

“It was a different type of victory for Bolton. They actually withstood a lot of pressure and were able to escape the Kassam with a 1-0.”

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