WANDERERS (3-5-2).

JOEL COLEMAN…6.5.

It was a big occasion for Coleman in his first league start and though there were some shaky moments on the ball he did come up with some big saves.

GETHIN JONES…6.

Wobbly start and he should have brought Bolton level early in the second half – but he also did as much as anyone to get Bolton back in the game with his work on the right.

CALEB TAYLOR…5.5.

The young defender seems to be feeling his way back a bit having not had regular football at West Brom and been thrown in at the deep end at Wanderers.

EOIN TOAL…7.

The best of the defensive three and very nearly the best of the attacking bunch too, his dipping 30-yarder going so close and sparking the comeback.

CALVIN RAMSAY…5.5.

Like Taylor, has shown some promising touches on the ball but still looks a little undercooked on fitness and match-sharpness, something which will hopefully improve.

JOSH SHEEHAN…5.5.

Hassled off his game for a good hour and seemed to need more time on the ball than Northampton were willing to give him. Improved as the day went on, though.

GEORGE THOMASON…5.

Lots of debate on whether the red was right or wrong but there can be little doubt the tackle was rash. McGowan had been winding Bolton up for several minutes and he took the bait.

KYLE DEMPSEY…5.

Improved dramatically in the latter stages, saving himself after a really poor day on the ball. Quite uncharacteristic from a player who tends to like this sort of battle.

ZAC ASHWORTH…5.5.

Struggled to get any forward momentum in the early stages, proving a little negative on the ball, but his set piece deliveries caused issues for Northampton in the second half.

DION CHARLES…5.

Really going through the mill at the moment. Couple of poor touches in build-up, loads of hard running, but little end product.

VICTOR ADEBOYEJO…5.

Struggled to link up effectively with Charles, winning the odd flick on here and there but generally having little impact on the game.

Subs: Mendes Gomes 46, 7 (for Ramsay) – Took his header superbly.

Collins 46, 6.5 (for Adeboyejo) – Another sumptuous ball for Jones.

Iredale 76 (for Taylor), Jerome 77 (for Charles), Morley 83 (for Sheehan).

Not used: Bodvarsson, Maghoma.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Eoin Toal.

The Northern Irishman rolled his sleeves up in a game of little quality and then nearly stole the show with a sensational strike in the second half.

MOAN OF THE MATCH – That sloppy start. Again. The red card was subjective but there is no disguising the fact that Bolton were fast asleep for Bowie’s opener.

MAGIC MOMENT – Bolton-born keeper Joel Coleman at one end, Bolton-born Louie Moulden at the other – watched by his brother, and Wanderers kitman, Ted.

Northampton Town: (4-3-3) - Burge; McGowan, Willis, Guthrie, Brough; Leonard, Hondermarck, Gape; Bowie, Appere, Pinnock.

Subs: Lintoctt 35 (for McGowan), Moulden 46 (for Burge), Fox 63 (for Gape), Springett 77 (for Hondermarck), Simpson 77 (for Appere).

Not used: Abimbola, Monthe.

Referee – Jeremy Simpson 3/10: Leave aside the red card for Thomason – because nobody seems to agree on that one – Simpson quite simply failed to get control of the game in the first half, was erratic in his decision making for both sides. As poor a refereeing display as we have seen in a Bolton game this season.

Attendance: 7,593.