WANDERERS (3-5-2).

LUKE SOUTHWOOD…6.

Drafted in for the injured Baxter. Perhaps unsighted for the first one, and nothing he could do about the second. Rarely called upon after that.

EOIN TOAL…5.5.

Gave away a bit too much possession early on and won’t be happy with the defending for the first goal. Improved second half, though.

RICARDO SANTOS…5.5.

Seemed slow to react for the first goal and never quite got to the same levels he did in midweek. Had the chance to win the game at the bitter end, though.

GEORGE JOHNSTON…6.

Committed as ever and won plenty of his aerial duels but the whole defensive unit needs to step up a notch if Bolton are going to climb up to where they want to be.

JOSH DACRES-COGLEY…5.5.

After a few very encouraging games this was another one where the end product was frustratingly inconsistent.

JOSH SHEEHAN…6.5.

Got hold of the game better in the second half and started to demand possession. Went very close with one flick which was saved well by Savin.

GEORGE THOMASON…6.

Definitely got more involved after the break and looked to make something happen around the penalty box. Had a few efforts charged down too.

KYLE DEMPSEY…8.

Produced a brilliant finish just after half time to get Bolton straight back in it. Had the energy all day and also made one for Schon.

SZABI SCHON…7.5.

Starting to see what the fuss was about now, and gaining popularity with the fans. Scored a goal and had bags of energy down the left.

DION CHARLES…6.

Provided a fine ball for Dempsey’s goal but only touched the ball twice in the Shrewsbury penalty box. Never really saw him drive at the visiting defenders.

VIC ADEBOYEJO…6.

Lots of hard work and one volley which went close. Was looking more of a threat when he was subbed with 20 minutes to go.

Subs: Collins 77 (for Adeboyejo), McAtee 77 (for Charles), Williams 86 (for Schon), Matete 86 (for Sheehan), Arfield 91 (for Dempsey).

Not used: Hutchinson, Lolos.

Shrewsbury Town (3-4-1-2): Savin; M Feeney, Pierre, L Feeney; Gilliead, Rossiter; Ojo, Nurse; Shipley; Lloyd, Marquis.

Subs: Castledine 53 (for Shipley), Benning 66 (for Nurse), Perry 85 (for Marquis).

Not used: Hoole, Sagoe Jnr, Bloxham, O’Reilly.

Referee: Declan Bourne 4/10. Wanderers were frustrated at his timekeeping – and though Evatt probably deserved the red card for clashing with an opposition player in the way he did, you can understand why he was upset.

Shrewsbury also had cause for complaint. The lack of an advantage in the second half when Ojo was clear through was a poor one, not to mention a contentious offside for Dempsey’s goal.

Attendance: 19,765.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Kyle Dempsey.

Four goals this season and a threat in every game at the moment. The midfielder has hit a good vein of form and looks so much happier playing in a central role ahead of Thomason and Sheehan once again.

MOAN OF THE MATCH – There was ample time to get a third goal but, not for the first time, Wanderers allowed themselves to overheat. The same could probably be said for Ian Evatt.

MAGIC MOMENT – Dempsey’s finish was class, as was the ball from Dion Charles. And the whole thing amplified what had been a quiet home crowd to that point.

ATMOSPHERE – Worryingly quiet in the first half, albeit there was very little to stir the senses. Much, much better after the break.