Ratings: Barnsley 1-3 Bolton Wanderers

Lee rates last nights first leg fixture

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Baxter - 7

His save from Phillips’ header was pivotal, but by jove, his kicking was dreadful. We noticeably went longer at times last night and NB is clearly outta practice, to say the least!

Jones - 7

Geth is a meat n ‘tatoes defender and he got his basics spot on. Much more comfortable in a game where he doesn’t have a tricky inside forward darting at him. Tougher tests to come.

Santos - 8

A couple of weird hesitant moments on the ball apart, Rico was imperious against Cole and very nearly scored, with his header from a corner being ruled out. Captains performance.

Toal - 5.5

Shaky. Abominable distribution and looked clunky and vulnerable, not his usual commanding self for me. Glad he gave that dirty get Cosgrove a big ol’ norn iron shove at the end, gets an extra 0.5 for that.

Cogley - 7

Thought he was really neat in possession and dealt with Cadden pretty well on the whole. He made the right decision in possession a lot, despite a bit of a lack of penetration as such a key attacking cog.

Sheehan - 6.5

Barely involved as the game was scrappy, then a bit chaotic, not lending itself to one that Sheehan could control. But his speed of thought and action as he nipped in on Jordan Williams’ underheaded header back to Liam Roberts and won the penalty was a huge contributory factor to us winning the game by a two goal margin.

Thomason - 7.5

Displayed some fine examples of why he’s such an important player for us. His speed of thought and execution in releasing first time passes to players in space was excellent, if not always perfect in their execution. Off the ball work was key, his stamina and physicality have improved no end this season. Got his customary yellow card. His 21st yellow of the season. Christ!

Maghoma - 8

Our first goal exemplified his speed, touch and technique as he laid the ball on a plate, if slightly behind, for Dion Charles to slam home from point blank range.

Wasn’t able to get on the ball enough but when he did, the Tykes were shit scared.

Williams - 7.5

Bright start but too easily beaten by O’Keefe. His delivery was decent and justified his inclusion over Ogbeta. Almost assisted a goal for Maghoma after a determined run. Two goals at Oakwell this season, a rebound from a penalty and an Olympic goal. Weird!

Charles - 8.5

Can’t argue with two goals, pen was saveable but least he hit it with enough power. Got through lots of nuisance-making, constantly harassing their back 3. Back to his best, although as an actual footballer with the ball at his feet he’s still honking.

Collins - 6

Didn’t get going at all. Weak in possession and balls went astray often. Not his kind of game really. Stayed on longer than I thought he should have. Will fare better in the home leg I believe.

Did have a smart interchange with Maghoma in the build up for the opener

Subs:

Adeboyejo - great touch and ball for Dempsey’s chance, made the ball stick more.

Jerome - battled well & put his experience to good use for the third goal

Dempsey - added legs but took one touch too many with his clean through chance.

Manager - Ian Evatt - 8

Evatt got his tactics and personnel choices spot on. Think we got a bit lucky overall, a 1 goal win would’ve been fairer on the balance of chances but we have a hefty advantage heading back to the ToughSheet.