My support for Bolton Wanderers reached new heights this week, as I took the lift to the third floor and then kept on climbing up multiple stairs to the top of the Macron Stadium. Doombar deliberations were replaced by Press Room predictions as I was the guest of the Tower FM commentary team, courtesy of winning a raffle prize at a Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association meeting. Chris Price was my knowledgeable and entertaining host, as I was invited to make comments on the air, along with Trevor Baxter from the Manchester Evening News. A courtesy lunch was provided in the form of steak and kidney pudding and boiled potatoes, on a bring your own gravy basis. Hot drinks were most welcome on a freezing cold day, as it is definitely no warmer at altitude, amongst the well wrapped-up members of the press. Pre-match thoughts were unanimous in that this was a must-win match to build confidence and get a little breathing space, ahead of a difficult Christmas period. The two joint worst defences in the championship were meeting head-to-head, so something ought to give.

Team sheets were delivered, and the first surprise was the omission of Mark Little, due to an undisclosed injury. Stephen Darby stepped in, along with the return of David Wheater. Both teams started brightly and Will Buckley nearly put Bolton ahead before most people had sat down. Burton surprised everyone with their positive approach, often pushing 5 or 6 men forward while getting back quickly en masse when required. In truth, Burton were the better team, especially in the first half. They came to the Macron looking for a result and they got one. Chances were at a premium and Lloyd Dier took theirs, past an unsighted Ben Alnwick, like he did once for Leicester City many moons ago. Bolton had similar chances but failed to capitalise on them due to poor finishing. Wheater came closest when his header hit the bar.

It was a poor performance and a bad result. We seemed to forget all the good things that we had learnt over the past two months. It’s a blow to our survival chances but not a knockout. We’ve not got to the half-way point of the season yet. The transfer window is going to be crucial as we must come out of it stronger to give us a fighting chance of staying up.