LUCA Connell was the surprise standout performer for Wanderers in Friday night's 2-1 defeat at Bristol City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Here's how Bolton News chief football writer Marc Iles rated the players:

WANDERERS (3-5-2)

REMI MATTHEWS…6

Couple of question marks as the ball flashed across the box in the first half but generally sound in his first start since signing permanently.

PAWEL OLKOWSKI…7

A late inclusion in the line-up, the Poland international made every effort to get forward and join in attack.

JACK HOBBS…5

Seems to have hit a shaky patch in a Wanderers shirt of late. Not looking quite as assured as he did early in the season.

MARK BEEVERS…7

Took his goal extremely well and was a constant threat in the opponents’ box. Looked solid in defence too – a good night’s work.

MARK LITTLE…5.5

Not as comfortable in the middle as he would have been playing wing-back, and implicated in the Robins’ equaliser. Kept his head up, though.

JASON LOWE…6

Fought to get a foothold in the game after a fairly slow start. Put a great challenge in on Palmer which halted his effectiveness.

JOE PRITCHARD…6

Wasn’t able to show too much on the ball but did not give the Bristol City defence space and time and linked up when required.

LUKE MURPHY…5.5

Struggled to contain the lively Kasey Palmer and allowed a few too many passes to go astray in his own half.

LUCA CONNELL…8

Announced himself on the game with a wonderful cross for the goal and by the second half was playing centrally and leading the charge. More please.

CRAIG NOONE…5.5

Frustrating night for the winger whose work-rate never comes into question but the final ball was a bit scattergun.

JOSH MAGENNIS…6.5

Worked hard and won plenty in the air. May feel he could have tested the keeper more with two headed opportunities, though.

Subs: Ameobi 6, 64 (for Pritchard), O’Neil 76 (for Murphy), Donaldson 84 (for Connell)

Not used: Williams, Taylor, Oztumer.

Bristol City: Fielding; DaSilva, Kalas, Wright, Baker; Morrell, Palmer, Elliasson,  O’Dowda, Diedhiou

Subs: Brownhill 74 (for Palmer), Pisano 76 (for Baker), Kelly 83 (for Dasilva)

Not used: O’Leary, Weimann, Eisa, Paterson

Attendance: 13.747

Referee: Stuart Atwell 6/10