WANDERERS (4-2-3-1).

 

MATT GILKS…6.5.

Southend did not test him with many shots but the area was certainly peppered with crosses and set pieces – and Gilks held firm.

GETHIN JONES…8.

Got himself in the right position time and time again to protect his goal and – in the first half at least – got forward to help the attack.

ALEX BAPTISTE…8.

Dug in impressively, heading everything that came near him. Whatever is getting him through two games a week at the moment, share it around.

RICARDO SANTOS…7.

Strong and very composed on the day. The big man has hit another seam of excellent form and if he can keep it going to the end of the season, Wanderers won’t be far off.

DECLAN JOHN…7.

We didn’t get much opportunity to see him burst forward as he had against Mansfield but defensively he got the job done.

KIERAN LEE…7.5.

Has a knack of filling in the gaps and making sure the defence is not over-run. With Evatt so intent on playing a swashbuckling front four his presence is vital.

MJ WILLIAMS…7.5.

Another solid insurance policy and by far his best game in a Bolton shirt. Fought and hassled his way around the pitch and used his physicality well.

MARCUS MADDISON…5.5.

Knocked around a bit and not a pitch that suited him. Though he put a few good crosses in during the first half it was no surprise to see him subbed in the end.

NATHAN DELFOUNESO…5.5.

Tried to be positive on the ball but found the conditions played havoc with his passing radar. Frustrating afternoon at the office.

DAPO AFOLAYAN…7.

His skills got him out of a few tight situations and his energy remains impressive. Still getting to grips with the physicality but a very promising start in Bolton colours.

EOIN DOYLE…5.5.

Will have kicked himself that he was not on the pitch to bury Miller’s chance. Doyle should have been on the scoresheet and he knows it.

Subs: Isgrove 5, 63 (for Maddison) – Didn’t really get into the game.

Gnahoua 5.5, 63 (for Delfouneso) – Looked busy but could make inroads.

Sarcevic 6, 63 (for Afolayan) – A little rusty but his endeavour created the goal.

Miller 6.5, 75 (for Doyle) – Right place, right time. Can’t argue with that.

Not used: Tutte, Thomason, Jackson.

 

Southend (4-2-3-1): Oxley; Bowmono, Hobson, White, Clifford; Demetriou, Dieng; Hackett-Fairchild, Ferguson, Nathaniel-George; Akinola.

Subs: Holmes 67 (for Hackett-Fairchild), Acquah 78 (for Ferguson), Hart 78 (for Clifford), Taylor 86 (for Demetriou).

Not used: McCormack, Cordner, Seaden.

 

Referee: Declan Bourne 5/10 – A late replacement for Darren Drysdale but his inexperience was clear from the off.