Ex-Southampton boss hails Man City and Bolton keeper James Trafford

The Manchester City loanee made a couple of vital stops to ensure the Whites will head to Oakwell on Friday night on level terms.

The visitors went in front through Nicky Cadden’s low drive but Ian Evatt’s men hit back just four minutes later through Dion Charles.

Speaking as a Sky Sports pundit, Jones said: “(Trafford) comes with good pedigree, he comes from a good club.

“He has been composed all year in terms of what he does and he did make some big saves. He is really quick off his line and made good decisions.

“He just looks like he is a mature head on a young man and the way he spoke after the game, he seems like a mature lad.”

He added: “There is very little to separate them and today was exactly the same. We thought Bolton would have more possession and they did.

“We thought Barnsley would probably have a little more penetration and they did. Looking at the xG, I think a draw is a fair result and sets it up nicely for the return leg.”

Former Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews was also in the studio to watch the action and praised Randell Williams for his role in the equaliser.

“Williams on the left-hand side, a really good stepover and delivers it into a good area,” Andrews explained.

“It’s a percentage-type ball I would say in terms of Dion Charles being in the right place at the right time.

“You have to question the goalkeeper’s positioning first and foremost – he was too close to his post. And then regardless of his positioning, he just needs to take it in.

“We have seen, in a close game today, the difference of two goalkeepers. You talk about one making an error like that and the other making some really big saves at big moments.”

You can follow our dedicated Wanderers accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227