WANDERERS (3-4-2-1).

NATHAN BAXTER…7.

Produced a blinding save just before half time to keep the scales tipped in Bolton’s favour. Defending was still a little loose in front of him.

EOIN TOAL…6.

Solid enough as he returned to the right side of the back three. Got forward to help Dacres-Cogley as part of Dion Charles’s second goal.

RICARDO SANTOS…5.5.

Difficult day. Captaincy issue aside, he was a little slow to react for the first goal and then gave away the penalty in the second half.

GEORGE JOHNSTON…7.

Set the tone with some bone-shaking challenges early on and ran hard to the bitter end. Still needs to be managed but sure is great to see him fit again.

JOSH DACRES-COGLEY…6.5.

Had come in for criticism in recent weeks but stepped up with a dynamic performance on the right, putting some quality crosses into the box.

JAY MATETE…6.

Gave away a bit too much possession in his own half, perhaps trying too hard to make something happen. Improved as the game went on.

GEORGE THOMASON…7.

Being made captain at such a young age is an honour indeed – but the midfielder seems to wear the responsibility well. Provided bundles of energy.

JOSH SHEEHAN…6.5.

Much more like his old self. Quality free kick to set things off and involved on the ball more regularly than he has been this season.

SZABI SCHON…6.

Really lively start but defensive frailties did crop up again from time to time. Needs to learn a the new ‘old’ system now.

VICTOR ADEBOYEJO…8.

A real handful all day. Didn’t get a goal but worked tirelessly across the front line to unsettle Reading’s defenders and link up play.

DION CHARLES…8.5.

What a difference a week makes. Hooked at half time against Huddersfield but then claims a hat-trick in the very next game. Oozed confidence.

Subs: Arfield 64 (for Matete), Williams 72 (for Schon), Dempsey 72 (for Sheehan), Collins 78 (for Adeboyejo), McAtee 78 (for Charles).

Not used: Southwood, Forino.

Reading (4-3-3): Button; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Dorsett; Elliott, Wing, Knibbs; Campbell, Smith, Ehibhatiomhan.

Subs: Abrefa 39 (for Dorsett), Akande 71 (for Ehibhatiomhan).

Not used: Boyce-Clarke, Dean, Garcia, Savage, Wareham.

Referee: Seb Stocksbridge 7/10.

None of the penalty calls were particularly contentious and while there were a couple of second-half challenges that slipped his attention the ref generally had a good afternoon.

Attendance: 19,635

 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Dion Charles.

Hard to deny him the honour having claimed the matchball with a 28-minute hat-trick in the first half and certainly the type of iron nerve needed from the penalty spot on such an important day.

Great to see him back alongside Adeboyejo and enjoying himself again.

 

MOAN OF THE MATCH – Wanderers still look defensively suspect and were nowhere near sharp enough when the ball dropped into their penalty box. Whether it was nerves or not, they need to rediscover that clean sheet mentality if they are going to rise back up the table to where they want to be.

 

MAGIC MOMENT – Sheehan’s glorious free kick capped off what had been a wonderful fast-paced start from Wanderers. Exactly what Ian Evatt needed.

 

ATMOSPHERE – Wanderers could have no complaints before but the fans went above and beyond to create a positive vibe at the very start of the game, setting the team off on the right foot. Proper support until well after the final whistle.