WANDERERS (4-2-3-1).

JOEL DIXON…6.5.

Won’t have too many quieter nights in League One but was sharp off his line in the second half when he needed to be.

LIAM GORDON…8.5.

A selection right out of left field, if you will. Showed loads of energy, always looked for the ball, and made good decisions around the penalty box.

RICARDO ALMEIDA SANTOS…6.5.

Able to coast for most of the game, bringing out the five iron a couple of times for a sweeping pass. Went close with a shot from the edge of the area, too.

WILL AIMSON…7.

Another impressive show. Like Santos, didn’t get stretched defensively, but his range of passing – especially switching play – is becoming more important.

DECLAN JOHN…7.5.

Questions had been asked of his recent performances but this was a very welcome return to form. Intelligent running and quality delivery.

GEORGE THOMASON…8.5.

Now has an open invite from half of Bolton to go home for tea. Dictated play from the middle of the park like a veteran.

KIERAN LEE…7.

Knitted it all together effectively, allowing Thomason a bit more licence to venture forward and pick his passes. Also got a second-half rest, which is good news for weekend.

LLOYD ISGROVE…6.

Huge blow to lose him to injury. One can only hope it won’t be for long.

ELIAS KACHUNGA…7.5.

Wanderers fans have waited for a while to see what the fuss is about. This was much, much better. Getting fitter and hopefully getting back to his best.

DAPO AFOLAYAN…7.

Picked up an unfortunate yellow card, which means he misses Cheltenham. Didn’t let it affect his game, though, and was a constant menace.

EOIN DOYLE…7.

Looked lively on his return from injury and nobody else in the Bolton squad scores that first one. Subbed well before the end for bigger challenges ahead.

Subs: Johnston 7.5, 31 (for Isgrove) – Played as a deep-lying midfielder, and might well be the answer to who replaces MJ.

Amaechi 6.5, 59 (for Doyle) – Some darting runs and flashes of skill that bode well.

Delfouneso 71 (for Lee) – So close to a goal towards the end.

Not used: Gilks, Henry, Pettifer.

Doncaster Rovers (4-2-3-1): Jones; Knoyle, Anderson, Olowu, Horton; Galbraith, Smith; Taylor, Rowe, Barlow; Dodoo.

Subs: Cukur 67 (for Taylor).

Not used: Dahlberg, Hasani, Blythe, Ravenhill, Kuleya, Faulkner.

Referee: Stephen Martin 8/10 – Punished Olowu’s cynical foul on Afolayan with a just red card. A few borderline penalty calls turned down, but no huge complaints on the night.

Attendance: 12,501