Southen United 0-1 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton are now NINE games unbeaten after their late, late show at Roots Hall. Mark Beevers’ dramatic 91st minute strike means Wanderers are 10 points clear of 3rd place and looking good for promotion.
Beevers tapped in after a corner from Filipe Morais was not cleared by the Southend defence, sparking huge celebrations in the away end.
Bolton striker Gary Madine hit the post with a header during the first half in which his side was the better team. Further chances came, with Adam Le Fondre being denied by Christian Walton, before a chance for home captain Michael Timlin came and went too.
Shrimpers striker Simon Cox tested Mark Howard after the break. Later, Nile Ranger fell on the ground claiming a penalty after a challenge from Beevers, who went on to score the only goal of the game on a massive night for the Trotters who can now taste Championship football once again.
The win means Bolton are now just 3 points behind Sheffield United, albeit having played a game more, and are looking at a tilt at the title rather than just gaining promotion. They’ll still have one eye on Fleetwood Town in 3rd place but having beaten them lately and now being 10 points clear, they’ll feel the celebrations beginning soon.
Southend manager Phil Brown was sent to the stands late in the game on a night that he will not care to remember.
Bolton Wanderers Player Ratings:
Mark Howard – 7/10
Made a decent save from Cox with Southend pressing for an opener. Did well to keep a clean sheet.
Dorian Dervite – 7/10
Cleared away a Nile Ranger effort with the score at 0-0. It turned out to be a valuable clearance as Bolton eventually won 1-0.
Mark Beevers – 8/10
Incredibly, Beevers has scored in 5 away games in a row. It was a solid performance at the back as well and his goals are an incredible bonus for his team.
David Wheater – 7/10
Another solid and commanding performance at the back. Credits to the entire Bolton defence for holding tight in a low-scoring encounter.
Filipe Morais – 7/10
Provided a cross for Madine to hit the post as well as the corner which led to the goal. Was a commendable performance from Morais.
Jay Spearing – 6/10
Booked in the first half and less effective than usual. He would be hoping to improve himself in the next outing against Scunthorpe.
Darren Pratley – 7/10
A booking in the second half but a lively display overall. He would be glad about the way he and his team did on the pitch.
Josh Vela – 6/10
Has had better games in the middle of the park, but played his part in a crucial win. Will have been glad that his team eventually won.
Dean Moxey – 7/10
Energetic and caused a few problems down the left while also defending well. It was a decent performance from Moxey and he will cherish the victory.
Adam Le Fondre – 7/10
Didn’t add to his tally for the season but put in another good shift up front. Was unlucky to be denied by Walton.
Gary Madine – 6/10
Hit the post in the first half and was withdrawn at half-time. Was unlucky really.
Substitute:
Max Clayton – 6/10
On for Madine and had two efforts saved near the end. He should have scored.