WANDERERS (4-2-3-1)

JOEL DIXON…6.

Worked a bit more in the second half by the home attack but also had a couple of nervy moments where passes and clearances went awry.

LLOYD ISGROVE…7.5.

Got to take your hat off to him for the application he has shown since moving into the right-back spot. A real team player.

RICARDO ALMEIDA SANTOS…7.

Pretty calm and considered on the night. Used his physicality when necessary and looked comfortable alongside his old pal Baptiste.

ALEX BAPTISTE…6.

He’s 600 games into a fine footballing career so won’t need reminding that there were a few loose moments in the first half. Recovered and saw the game out well.

DECLAN JOHN…7.5.

Rapid, and then some. Rochdale had no answer to his pace on the break and he capped things off with a lovely finish from the edge of the box too.

MJ WILLIAMS…7.5.

Provided the snap in midfield, as ever, and showed off a lovely range of passing at times to set Wanderers on their way on the counter-attack.

GEORGE THOMASON…7.

Made a few clever runs through the middle and always looked available for the ball. Good to see him back out there, as he deserved a shot.

ELIAS KACHUNGA…7.5.

Decidedly more effective in the first half than the second – but that was also the best 45 minutes of his Bolton career to date. Classy moments.

JOSH SHEEHAN…7.

Got involved and dropped into the spaces where he could affect the game, especially in the second half. A positive step forward for the Welshman.

DAPO AFOLAYAN…8.5.

When Dapo is brimming with confidence like this, it is a pleasure to watch him play. The goal was sublime and he had the Spotland crowd hissing and booing his every touch. Marvellous.

EOIN DOYLE…7.5.

This was more like the snarling, harrying, penalty box king that we know and love. Got the goal from the spot – and hopefully that paves the way for more.

Subs: Delfouneso 72 (for Afolayan), Edwards 90 (for Isgrove), Henry 90 (for Doyle).

Not used: Gilks, Johnston, Aimson, Gordon.

Rochdale (3-5-2): Lynch; Graham, Taylor, Dorsett; O’Keefe, Dooley, Done, Broadbent, White; Grant, Cashman.

Subs Odoh 44 (for Cashman) Not used: Coleman, Morley, Newby, Keohane, Kelly, Dunne.

Referee: Andy Kitchen 6/10 – Some head-scratching minor decisions made either way, in fairness. But got all the big calls right.

Attendance: 1,116 (493)