For those who do not take The Observer – shame on you; it’s the best Sunday paper and needs all the support it can get just now – this is how our own Pete Sixsmith saw Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Sunderland in today’s edition …
Jones led the line so well and got Bent involved early on. Jones was a giant – and did some tremendous defensive headers. It was a good, solid win and we were outstanding in the first half. Jussi had a blinder against us and Bent was unfortunate. In the second half they came at us, but Fulop made two outstanding saves – his handling was good and he ran his area very well.The manager has strengthened the team in the middle and we moved the ball quicker.
Player Ratings Fulop 9; McCartney 7, Ferdinand 6, Collins 7, Bardsley 7; Richardson 6 (Campbell 76 7), Cattermole 8, Malbranque 7 (Henderson ht 7), Cana 8; Bent 8, Jones 9
And, for a Bolton verdict …
Shaun O’Gara, Bolton Supporters’ Club Disappointed that the manager spent all the money on defensive players and they did not defend well. We’re crying out for a striker and a creative midfielder. Elmander struggled again – he’s not scored all year! The style of play is pretty awful and ticket sales have fallen, even though prices have dropped. A child’s season ticket is £50, but the general season ticket holders haven’t renewed. We have to beat teams like Sunderland – they’re in our mini-league.
Player Ratings Jaaskelainen 7; Robinson 4, Knight 4, Cahill 5, Ricketts 4; Taylor 5, Muamba? 5 , S Davis 4, McCann 5 (Lee 68 5); Elmander 5 (Ward 83 n/a), K Davies? 6