Will definitely take that point. What was interesting was that we started the game with a clear change in system, coming out with a 4-4-1-1 with Bodin playing behind Harris up top. We absolutely bossed the first half, and Bolton really couldn’t cope with our high press, often giving away possession under the pressure. I wonder if the change in system put them on the back foot and it wasn’t until half time that they were able to make adjustments to counter it, because that is what happened. They were very much back in it for the 2nd half with Beadle making some great saves.
With Mills, I thought he looked tired in the second half. He’s still a young(ish) lad playing a sustained run of competitive football for the first time, so it’s understandable. I was very surprised that he wasn’t taken off with the first round of subs though.
Completely agree with the point about Bolton’s niggly fouling and I thought the ref missed the opportunity to nip it in the bud by taking far too long to produce the first card. They were a much more physical side than I was expecting as well.
So, we now have two games where there will be an opportunity to rotate the squad and keep key players fresh for two tough away games to follow…
