JACK BONHAM…6.
Only really tested by Lofthouse’s early cross, so otherwise occupied with sweeper duties. Still finding his way on that front.
EOIN TOAL…6.
Lost in the mix a bit for the goal but generally defended well enough. In possession he looked a bit short on ideas at times.
CHRIS FORINO…6.5.
Deservedly back in the starting line-up, he was the standout defender on the night despite a slight lapse on the Burton goal.
GEORGE JOHNSTON…6.
Like Toal, there was little to complain about on the defensive side. On the ball, it was a bit scrappy and those two chances will keep him up at night.
CYRUS CHRISTIE…6.5.
Being asked to do a bit more in the Burton half, he came up with some decent deliveries. Never going to be a tearing wing-back but a solid performance.
ETHAN ERHAHON…6.5.
One of the few players who doesn’t seem to be slowing down in an arduous January. Got himself around the pitch impressively to disrupt Burton’s flow.
AARON MORLEY…5.
A big chance to show that he can direct a game like this – but seemed off the pace for most of the night. A couple of good deliveries from out wide but Bolton needed more.
MAX CONWAY…6.
Running himself into the ground for Wanderers this season but started to show some signs of fatigue by the second half.
JOHN MCATEE…7.
Didn’t get into the game first half but grabbed it by the scruff of the neck after the break and provided some enterprising link-up between midfield and attack.
KYLE DEMPSEY…6.
Got beyond the strikers, which was encouraging to see, but knows he probably should have taken one if not both of the big chances he got in the game.
SAM DALBY…8.
Looked like another night of chasing lost causes but a second half transformation saw the ball start to stick, and thoroughly deserved to claim the headlines in the end.
Subs: Osei-Tutu 6, 64 (for Christie) – Added a bit of adventure on the right.
Cissoko 76 (for Conway) – Game was crying out for a bit of sparkle, and he provided it.
Burstow 76 (for McAtee) – Maybe a surprise not to see him start – but worked hard.
Gale 76 (for Dempsey) – Showed up well on both wings.
Simons 79 (for Morley) – Got involved right away.
Not used: Harrington, Temple.
Burton Albion (3-4-1-2): Collins; Godwin-Malife, Sibbick, Vancooten; Lofthouse, Chauke, Williams, Armer; McKiernan; Beesley, Adom.
Subs: Revan 60 (for McKiernan), Hartridge 60 (for Vancooten), Shade 71 (for Armer), Larsson 71 (for Adom).
Not used: Dudek, Krubally, Fabio Tavares.
Referee: Thomas Parsons 8/10
Hurrah! It has sadly been the case of late that there has been something negative to say about the officials in every blessed game, but Parsons was up to speed, clamped down on timewasting from early on and did not seek to put himself front and centre. No complaints here.
Attendance: 18,820
MAN OF THE MATCH – Sam Dalby
Two proper striker’s goals and a performance in the second half that showed a player in the best form of his Bolton career. No, he isn’t going to be sprinting clear and out-pacing opponents like a Gale, McAtee or Osei-Tutu, but he will scrap all day long and it has been a while since the Whites have had a number nine who will roll up his sleeves in quite that manner.
MOAN OF THE MATCH – A ninth consecutive game where Wanderers have failed to score in the first half. And in the current climate, that inevitably gave way to some negativity at half time. Whether you agree with the boo-boys or not, getting that earlier goal would settle everything down.
MAGIC MOMENT – Another stoppage time masterclass from Wanderers, who seem to come to life when the fourth official reaches for that digital board. A ninth post-90th minute goal of the season makes sure that nobody makes an early dash for the car park.
ATMOSPHERE – The official crowd figure was just under 19,000 but that looked a very generous number. Tuesday night games often see a drop off in the turnout, particularly with a high number of younger season ticket holders, and the handful of Burton away fans hardly added to the noise.