WANDERERS (3-4-1-2)

 

NATHAN BAXTER…6.5.

Can’t really complain after a comfortable debut. Joined in at the back and tried to push his team forward in possession – most of his bolder distribution paid off too.

GETHIN JONES…6.5.

But for a couple of uncomfortable moments when Lincoln pressed high up the pitch Jones looked in complete control. Will undoubtedly face tougher days but a strong start.

RICARDO SANTOS…7.

On the very rare occasions that anyone broke through, Santos pounced on the danger in a flash. Grew in confidence as the game progressed on the ball and pushed on when it was possible.

JACK IREDALE…7.5.

Great header to start things off and a very solid return to first team football after several months watching from the side-lines. Good to have him back.

JOSH DACRES-COGLEY…7.

Built on a very encouraging pre-season and his pace got him into some good positions. Put in some dangerous crosses from the right.

AARON MORLEY…7.

Unlucky with a dipping effort in the second half and knitted things together well. Didn’t waste the ball and his set piece delivery was strong too.

JOSH SHEEHAN…7.5.

Purred in possession, however tight the space, flitting from one side of the pitch to the other and trying to keep the tempo up. Looking strong.

RANDELL WILLIAMS…8.

Swagger central. Had good reviews in the summer and followed that up with his best performance in League One for Bolton to date.

KYLE DEMPSEY…7.5.

Turbo-charged at times, Dempsey injected a bit of purpose when he got the ball, even when others were dwelling.

DION CHARLES…6.5.

Won the ball back a few times with pure belligerence. Got into some half-decent goalscoring areas but didn’t quite get the killer shot away.

VICTOR ADEBOYEJO…6.5.

Worked hard and timed his run perfectly to score the second goal. Like Charles, there were a few moments on the ball where better quality was needed but that should come with time and confidence.

Subs: Thomason 73 (for Sheehan), Nlundulu 77 (for Adeboyejo), Maghoma 78 (for Morley), Jerome 83 (for Charles), Mendes Gomes 83 (for Dempsey).

Not used: Ashworth, Forrester.

Tactics – 8/10: Wanderers moved the ball wide, got in behind the Lincoln wing-backs, and completely dominated possession. Maybe some reservations about how things slowed down late on but this was a very decent show.

Lincoln City (3-4-1-2-): Jensen; Eyoma, Jackson, O’Connor; Sorensen, Erhahon, Mandriou, Roughan; Hamilton; House, Walker.

Subs: Hackett 46 (for Walker), Smith 81 (for Mandriou), Makama 87 (for Hamilton).

Not used: Wright, Duffy, Benn, Gallagher.

Referee – Will Finnie 7/10: No real complaints, given the referees have been given a lot to handle by the rule-makers in recent weeks. Time keeping was generous – but is anyone going to err on the side of caution until things settle down?

Attendance: 20,143