WANDERERS (4-2-3-1)

REMI MATTHEWS…6

Not much to write home about for the Wanderers keeper. Picked the ball out of his net twice but didn’t really have a save to make.

JASON LOWE…6

Had plenty of work on his plate as O’Connell and Stevens bombed forward at every opportunity but asked a few questions himself, with one great ball for Ameobi.

DAVID WHEATER…8

Top class stuff from the big centre-back, who got his body in the way of almost everything and made some timely challenges around the penalty box.

JACK HOBBS…4.5

Two individual errors for the two Blades goals blighted what was a decent enough defensive display.

ANDY TAYLOR…6

With a lot of Sheffield United’s traffic on the opposite wing Taylor was temped forward. He even got a glimpse of goal in the second half.

CALLUM CONNOLLY…6

Sound debut. Picked up a yellow card for a bad tackle but otherwise looked like a useful acquisition.

LUCA CONNELL…6.5

His toughest task yet since stepping into the senior side. Kept asking for the ball, hardly ever wasted it, but the going was difficult.

GARY O’NEIL…5.5

Played out on the right side the experienced O’Neil didn’t get into the game much, aside from set pieces.

JOSH VELA…6

Good to see Vela back in the side. He managed to help keep hold of good possession at times but perhaps not in the areas Wanderers would have liked.

SAMMY AMEOBI…5.5

A couple of decent breaks but Sammy still looks as if he is playing under pressure. Desperately needs something to boost his confidence.

CLAYTON DONALDSON…4.5

Quite a number of Bolton fans were surprised to see him start, and the doubters won’t have been pleased he missed Wanderers’ big chance.

Subs: Magennis 6, 69 (for Vela) – Put himself about for the final 20 mins.

Not used: Buckley, Noone, Murphy, Wilson, Williams, Grounds

The Bolton News: Callum Connolly in action for Wanderers against Sheffield UnitedCallum Connolly in action for Wanderers against Sheffield United

Sheffield United: Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Duffy; Sharp, McGoldrick

Subs: Stearman 76 (for Duffy), Madine 80 (for McGoldrick), Dowell 86 (for Sharp)

Not used: Lundstram, Hogan, Johnson, Moore

Referee: Keith Stroud 7/10 – No real complaints. Some questions asked of his assistant in the build up to the first goal – was Sharp offside?

Attendance: 26,131 (1,082)