A look back at January in a month which saw the emergence of Zach Clough and a trip to Anfield in the FA Cup
SUMMARY
The New Year began with popular local comedian and Bolton fan Paddy McGuiness coming good on a promise to clean Emile Heskey’s boots, after the striker had netted a winner on his debut against Blackburn in the previous month.
On the field Wanderers’ forward momentum under Neil Lennon continued, with FA Cup progress secured against Wigan courtesy of a debut goal from Zach Clough. The reward, a lucrative fourth round tie away at Liverpool.
There were two penalties in the 1-1 draw against Leeds, Bolton’s scored by Eidur Gudjohnsen, his first goal since rejoining the club, before an impressive away win at Sheffield Wednesday followed with Darren Pratley netting the pick of the goals.
With free travel laid on by the club, almost 6,000 travelling fans saw their side grind out a gutsy 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup.
Three days later Bolton suffered just their second defeat in some 14 games, as a trip to Rotherham ended in a disappointing 4-2 reverse.
There was more frustration to end the month, as despite a brace from the now fit-again Zach Clough Wanderers dropped home points after conceding a late equaliser against Wolves.
With the transfer window open Adam Le Fondre, Rochinha and Ben Amos were all drafted in on loan prior to the end of the month. Going the other way Jay Spearing and Medo Kamara headed on loan to Blackburn and Maccabi Haifa respectively, whilst Joe Mason’s stint from Cardiff cut short through a hamstring injury.
RESULTS
W 1-0 v Wigan (H)
D 1-1 v Leeds (H)
W 1-2 v Sheffield Wednesday (A)
D 0-0 v Liverpool (A)
L 4-2 v Rotherham (A)
D 2-2 v Wolves (H)
THEY SAID
“It was really nice to come back. I’ve spent some really good years here and it was nice to get a good reception from the home fans, as well as the Bolton fans who have been great since I signed.”
Emile Heskey following Bolton 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
SCORERS
Zach Clough 3
Eidur Gudjohnsen
Liam Feeney
Darren Pratley
Liam Trotter
Matt Mills
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Darren Pratley claimed the club’s monthly award after a string of impressive performances in the engine room.
The midfielder was a mainstay in the side and played every minute of the month up until sustaining a hamstring injury against Wolves that would ultimately rule him out for the remainder of the season.
His highlight was undoubtedly a well-taken goal against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
SEE ALSO...
Season in photos: January
Community review: January