Final Verdict Has Been Given For The Match Between Stockport And Bolton Wanderers And Here Is The Clear Error That Persisted From First Half To…

Player ratings: How Bolton Wanderers fared in the 1-0 defeat to Stockport County

WANDERERS (3-1-4-2)

NATHAN BAXTER…7.

Pulled off saves from Andresson, Olaofe and Wooton to keep the scoreline level after missing the last 11 league games. One of very few who impressed on the day.

EOIN TOAL…5.

Out-witted by Olaofe for the goal and should really have made sure the Stockport striker didn’t get as far as he did. Not a comfortable afternoon.

CHRIS FORINO…7.

Dominant in the air and didn’t waste much possession at all. Signs of late that the former Wycombe man could be a first team regular before much longer.

GEORGE THOMASON…6.5.

Shifted to the left side of the back three to cater for County’s unusual ‘box’ midfield, the captain actually faired quite well and saw a lot more of the ball.

JOSH SHEEHAN…5.5.

Only a few glimpses of his class and passing range, otherwise he struggled to stand out from the crowd and looked a little leggy.

JOSH DACRES-COGLEY…5.5.

Got the grand sum of nothing from the officials on the day and Bolton simply failed to get him in the right areas to do damage.

AARON MORLEY…5.

Has ran himself to a standstill of late and there were signs of wear and tear in this performance. Needs to use the international break well.

JOEL RANDALL…5.

Struggling to overcome the view that he is a fair-weather player. Good on the ball but lacks the presence in games like this to make a real difference.

JORDO OSEI-TUTU…5.

The Whites were looking to him for some inspiration and energy but after being levelled in the first few minutes (see referee marks) he didn’t get going at all.

AARON COLLINS…5.

Needed a boost after a tough midweek in Bristol but didn’t get one here. Had the best of Wanderers’ chances and looked a tired player by the end.

JOHN MCATEE…5.

Only touched the ball inside the penalty box once – and had one effort from distance. Chased around to try and make a difference but just had a fruitless time on the pitch.

Subs: Mendes Gomes 5, 69 (for McAtee) – Struggled to make a dent.

Matete 4.5, 70 (for Morley) – Needed to make a challenge for the Stockport goal.

Forrester 79 (for Toal), Lolos 79 (for Randall), Schon 87 (for Dacres-Cogley).

Not used: Jones, Southwood.

Stockport County (4-2-2-2): Addai; Knoyle, Hills, Pye, Rydel; Bate, Norwood; Collar, Camps; Andresson, Olaofe.

Subs: Touray 46 (for Rydel), Connolly 46 (for Knoyle), Wooton 46 (for Andresson), Fevrier 66 (for Camps), Moxon 66 (for Norwood).

Not used: Cosgrove, Metcalfe.

Attendance: 24,571

Referee: Ben Toner 3/10 – Some of the decision making was truly baffling. Knoyle’s early challenge on Osei-Tutu could have been a red but to forgive two clear fouls after that – including one on McAtee which directly stopped an attack is against everything we have come to expect.

Add to that the mysterious dropped ball for Stockport when Bolton were in possession and the countless fouls given against Dacres-Cogley for simply being there, and you have one of the worst refereeing performances of the season at the Toughsheet.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Nathan Baxter.

Only Chris Forino ran him close, but you have to take into consideration the three big saves which kept Bolton in the fight. Back in the team and fighting for a new contract, Baxter rewarded Schumacher’s faith.

MOAN OF THE MATCH – A crowded category but the defending for Olaofe’s goal has to be the most disappointing this about Bolton’s day. Given the referee was in lenient mood for such things, how on earth did he get that far without a serious challenge being laid on him?

MAGIC MOMENT – It wasn’t a game for lighter moments but Eoin Toal trying to head the ball whilst lying on the floor in the first half raised a few chuckles in the crowd.

ATMOSPHERE – Given the 24,000-plus in the stadium it wasn’t one of the better ones this season. County’s away following were understandably pleased – and came armed with a good array of songs – but the football on show didn’t exactly stir up the senses.