Wanderers had to settle for a point following an eventful encounter against Charlton, but what did we learn from the contest?
Bolton went in front through Victor Adeboyejo but the Addicks got back on level terms almost immediately through Thierry Small.
Charlton then led twice through Lloyd Jones and Daniel Kanu, but the Whites hit back through Paris Maghoma and substitute Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
Defensive errors
Wanderers will be disappointed with the goals they conceded. The first came when Small’s cross went straight in after uncertainty between Joel Coleman and the Bolton backline.
The second was almost a carbon copy of the goal conceded against Barnsley earlier this month, with Jones reacting quickest to a cut-back from the right and sweeping home.
There was an element of controversy with the third after referee Ross Joyce played on despite Josh Dacres-Cogley going down with what looked like a head injury. However, Ian Evatt will still be frustrated Kanu was able to get a shot away in the box.
The Whites have one of the best defensive records in League One this season, but any side would be affected by losing their captain and goalkeeper to injury.
Maghoma magic
The stadium erupted after a superb finish from Maghoma to pick out the top corner, giving Harry Isted absolutely no chance in the Charlton goal.
It was the midfielder’s sixth goal of the season since joining Wanderers on loan from Premier League Brentford.
The 22-year-old was also on target in the victory at Carlisle last month and will be keen to kick on heading into the business end of the season.
However, there is plenty of competition in the middle of the pitch, with George Thomason still to come back from suspension.
Strike department
Evatt challenged his attackers to step up while Dion Charles is out injured, and the Bolton boss will be pleased to see Adeboyejo and Bodvarsson both getting on the scoresheet.
The latter has now scored in back-to-back league games, making the most of his opportunities from the bench.
Aaron Collins has also shown promising signs since his January move from Bristol Rovers and will only improve from here as he gets used to Wanderers’ system.
Evatt might now have a selection headache for the trip to Cambridge but he wouldn’t want it any other way.
Missed opportunity
The result wasn’t a disaster for the Whites but they did lose ground on Portsmouth and Derby, who beat Reading and Stevenage respectively.
Barnsley are also right in the mix following their victory at Fleetwood. The Tykes have lost just one of their last 16 league games.
However, Peterborough’s poor form continued with a defeat against Blackpool. Posh have now lost four games on the spin, slipping to fifth place.
Wanderers have some big games coming up, starting with their trip to the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday night. There is still plenty of football to be played but it is starting to look like the promotion race could go down to the wire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel