EFL pundit Courtney Sweetman-Kirk reckons Wanderers made a “statement” to their League One promotion rivals during their 5-0 win against Peterborough.

Dion Charles scored a hat trick, including a couple of clinical penalties, to take his total to 17 for the season.

Skipper Ricardo Santos also bagged a brace – his first goals for the Whites after more than 100 appearances.

Ian Evatt’s men are now up to fourth in the table – only behind third-place Ipswich on goal difference at this stage.

However, it is worth noting that the Whites have played at least one game more than the sides around them.

Sheffield United Women forward Sweetman-Kirk singled out Charles for his confidence to take both spot kicks.

She also singled out skipper Santos, whose goals were even sweeter coming against the club he started his career with.

Speaking as a pundit on the EFL highlights show, Sweetman-Kirk said: “I think Bolton played extremely well. Peterborough will be disappointed – they’ve had a great start under Darren Ferguson.

“Two penalties in one game is always difficult but Charles backs himself, goes the other way and goes home with the match ball.

“It is worth mentioning Santos as well. He had a bad illness so to pop in with two goals, he will be very pleased.”

Wanderers have now won their last four matches in League One as they aim to keep climbing the table.

Evatt’s men are back in action on Tuesday night when they welcome struggling MK Dons to the University of Bolton Stadium.

The Dons currently find themselves in 20th place – a point above the relegation zone – following a 1-1 draw against Oxford.

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