Things to look out for ahead of Wanderers' trip to Bootham Crescent
Clinching a second last-minute win from their third pre-season fixture in their last outing, will Bolton Wanderers be able to clinch back-to-back away wins as they make the trip to York City on Saturday? Here are five key points to look out for.
1. Trialists
Neal Eardley and David Wheater both started for Wanderers against Tranmere Rovers in midweek, while fellow trialists Frazer Richardson and Gordon Greer were left unused on the substitutes' bench. Following Rob Holding's move to Arsenal, Phil Parkinson has already confirmed he is looking to strengthen his squad before the start of the season, with the club's remaining friendlies the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at players on trial.
Speaking after Tuesday night's game, he told bwfc.co.uk "We are looking at certain players in with us over the next week or so. We are also speaking to several other players. Hopefully we’ll have the ammunition to go out and make this squad really strong heading into the new season."
2. Zach Clough
Having opened his account for pre-season with a clever finish away at Mansfield Town last weekend, Zach Clough went one better when he produced a spectacular long-range effort to seal a dramatic late win for Wanderers against Tranmere Rovers in midweek. Taking advantage of a full pre-season having previously battled injury problems during his 18 months with the first team, the forward is looking sharp ahead of the new season as he looks to go from strength to strength.
3. Arrive early
Saturday will be a busy one in York. It's the first week of the school summer holidays plus York Raceday will be well underway come the 1.30pm kick-off at Bootham Crescent. With that in mind, fans are advised to set off early for Saturday's game with one eye on potential busy roads.
4. Squad rotation
After opting to send an XI side to Crewe Alexandra on Friday night, with the first team instead playing against York City, Parkinson still used the clash with the Railwaymen as chance to give some of his more senior players some minutes on the pitch. Keen for his entire squad to be match fit ahead of next month's curtain-raiser against Sheffield United, both games offer players the chance to impress their new manager and stake their claim ahead of the Sky Bet League One opener.
5. Last away day
Saturday's trip to Bootham Crescent is Wanderers' last away day before the 2016/17 season officially gets underway. Having failed to win on their travels last season, Parkinson will be eager for his side to put their past demons fully behind them ahead of next month's Football League Cup trip to Blackpool and maiden Sky Bet League One away outing at AFC Wimbledon.