WANDERERS ensured their name will be in the hat for the FA Cup fourth round draw with a valiant performance against Premier League Crystal Palace.

Phil Parkinson’s side could not quite find the killer touch to knock Big Sam out on his return to Bolton but the display was encouraging enough for home fans to applaud the players off the pitch with pride.

But who gets your vote for man of the match?

Chief football writer Marc Iles gives his views…

WANDERERS (4-2-3-1)

BEN ALNWICK…7.5 Very calming presence throughout. Made one decent stop with his feet to deny Loic Remy but his work to come and collect the ball at Palace’s set pieces eased a lot of pressure.

LAWRIE WILSON…7.5 Faced with a very different challenge than the direct, out-and-out wingers in League One, Wilson did well to contain the likes of Chung-Yong Lee and Jordan Mutch as they blurred the lines between midfield and attack.

DAVID WHEATER…7.5 Wheater has played Premier League and his experience told with a thorough job done on Frazier Campbell throughout. Kept it simple in possession – although one cross-field pass which hit touch would have earned top marks in a game of rugby union.

MARK BEEVERS…7.5 Coped with Loic Remy and Co perfectly well even though – like most Wanderers fans – he was probably happier to see the deep-lying Yohan Cabaye replace the pacy striker at half time. Solid as ever.

ANDY TAYLOR…8 Sometimes doesn’t get the same defensive plaudits as some of his team-mates but Taylor’s performance against Palace was exceptional. His crossing was spot on, and England international Andros Townsend hardly made a dent in the second half.

JAY SPEARING…8 Warrior-like display from another Wanderers who used to mix it with the top flight players on a regular basis. Spearing sets the tone so often for Bolton and his chasing in the second half inspired those around him.

TOM THORPE…7 Caught the bug in the second half after appearing a little passive in the first 45 minutes. Got involved further forward too and helped in the build up to Josh Vela’s big chance.

JAMES HENRY…8.5 Undoubtedly his best game in a Wanderers shirt to date. The on-loan Wolves man was full of energy, a big threat in the Palace penalty box, and had a trick or too to keep the fans happy as well.

JOSH VELA…7 Very unlucky with a brilliant header from Wilson’s cross in the second half. All the energy we have come to expect from the midfielder – another vestige from the Premier League era – and he did not disappoint.

ZACH CLOUGH…7 Improved in the second half after seeing more of the ball and covered a lot of ground to help Taylor down the left on defensive duty. Contributed well to the team effort once again.

GARY MADINE…7.5 Namechecked by Sam Allardyce after the game, and he knows a thing or two about target men. Should have had a penalty after a blatant push from Flamini but worked hard to give Bolton a platform.

Subs: Proctor 80 (for Madine) – Came on to give Wanderers more legs in the later stages.

Clayton 80 (for Clough) – Put one excellent cross in from the left.

C Taylor 85 (for Henry) – Didn’t have much time to make an impact.

Not used: Turner, Moxey, Derik, Trotter.