WANDERERERS (4-2-3-1)

BEN ALNWICK… 6

A mixed bag on his return to the team. Looked a little rusty when the ball was crossed into the box but made some very smart saves too.

HARRY BROCKBANK… 6.5

A tough game in which to make your debut but the young defender kept things sensible and got forward a couple of times too. Solid start.

DAVID WHEATER… 6

It is rare to see Wheater leave the field for any reason these days – but a groin problem ended his afternoon after a decent first half.

JACK HOBBS… 6

Like Wheater, had been impressive in the first half but lost his way a little once the back four was reshuffled and Villa started to swarm.

ANDY TAYLOR… 6

Adomah didn’t get round Taylor all that often and, as ever, Taylor didn’t waste the ball much, getting forward when he could.

JOE WILLIAMS… 5.5

In the thick of the action, as ever, but clearly frustrated by the fact Wanderers lost their organisation after the break.

CALLUM CONNOLLY… 5.5

Gave away possession too often but also worked hard to close down and defend. Better in the back four.

WILL BUCKLEY… 5.5

Had one good opportunity blocked but didn’t really have enough of the ball to make an impact on the game.

LUCA CONNELL… 5.5

Another step along a steep learning curve for the young midfielder. Could have used the ball better – but never hid away from receiving it.

GARY O’NEIL… 6

Wanderers lost a lot when he left the field with a nasty head injury. Was guiding Brockbank through the game and had more energy than most.

CLAYTON DONALDSON… 5.5

Has been through this kind of game so often this season. Ran the channels, covered the yards but had just one chance – saved by Steer.

Subs: Beevers 6, 36 (for Wheater), Magennis 5, 45 (for O’Neil), Oztumer 80 (for Donaldson)

Not used: B Williams, Vela, Olkowski, Wildschut

The Bolton News:

Villa (4-3-3): Steer; Elmohamady, Tuanzebe, Mings, Taylor; Whelan, McGinn, Grealish; Adomah, Abraham, El Ghazi.

Subs: Davis 60 (for Abraham), Hourihane 72 (for McGinn), Jedinak 73 (for Tuanzebe) Not used: Bjarnasson, Green, Lansbury, Davis.

Attendance: 17,344 (4,569)

Referee: John Brooks (Leicestershire) – 5/10 - Picky at times, much to Wanderers' frustration. Gave a few free kicks which had fans scratching their heads.