Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Fleetwood Town

Simon rates how Wanderers performed in their win against Fleetwood

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A brilliant first half team performance effectively assured the result before some, ahem, questionable refereeing and the resulting dismissals of both Dion Charles and Ian Evatt shifted the momentum of the game. Not to be robbed of their 100% winning start however, The Whites held on for an impressive team win. But how did the individuals fair?

Nathan Baxter 7

A first permanent move of his career after a myriad of loans, Baxter continued his decent start as Wanderers' new number 1. Pulled off some smart saves including denying Josh Vela 1 v 1 and was generally assured in coming for crosses. Caught in no-man's land for Earl's late consolation goal, however.

Gethin Jones 7

His usual steady self, marshalled threats well and always available to collect passes from Baxter or Santos. Linked reasonably well with Dacres-Cogley, and got the move going for Wanderers' opener.

Ricardo Santos 8

Never looked like letting anyone past him, Santos is a master of using his size at this level. Good in the air, calm on the ball and played a superb diagonal ball in behind for the 2nd goal.

Jack Iredale 7

Solid if unspectacular. Iredale looks a totally different player on the left side of a 3. Took good care of his defensive duties and stayed sensible on the ball. Would like him to work on his vision for a diagonal ball however; there were a few opportunities where a Dacres-Cogley run went un-noticed.

Josh Dacres-Cogley 8

Had to stretch to divert Santos' long ball towards Adeboyejo, and picked out the big man expertly once again after a lovely piece of skill to beat a Town defender. Two assists his reward and I'm really liking the look of JDC already.

Paris Maghoma 6.5

Pulled away well from Josh Earl and weighted his pass perfectly to assist the opening goal. I do feel his was otherwise quiet, however. Expected a little more.

Kyle Dempsey 7

Always looked lively and on his toes with the ball, ready to drive things forward or to cut inside defenders. Went full stretch into a few challenges, one of which left our Demps needing treatment. Rightly subbed with the result assured, sure to play on Saturday.

George Thomason 6

A chance for him to show Bristol City what they are missing out on. Had a steady half but certainly didn't stand out. Replaced by Sheehan for the 2nd period.

Randell Williams 6.5

Looks much more confident this season. His pace is a great asset in both directions, intercepting on his way back but also providing positive forward runs. Less noticeable in this game however, where most of our goal threat came from moves on the right side. Looks to have nailed down the LWB position as his own.

Victor Adeboyejo 9

A fantastic night for Vic. With a full pre-season to adapt to 'Evatt-Ball' and work with his teammates, we are seeing the best of him. Stayed calm with the first two finishes and was decisive with the 3rd. A battle begins for our Golden Boot which can only be a good thing to inspire all our forwards. Long may it continue. Big day on Saturday as the main threat.

Dion Charles 6

Chased down several lost causes and stole the ball a few times, his energy gave Fleetwood issues. Played Maghoma in well for the opener. Still not sure how he ended up with a red card; I guess that one is for the mighty refereeing overlords to (not) explain.

Subs:

Josh Sheehan 6.5

Better on the ball than Thomason and got himself involved along with Baxter and Charles in preventing a Fleetwood goal from a promising-looking corner.

Aaron Morley 6.5

Smart on the ball in a team down to 10 men.

Dan N'lundulu 6

Chased the ball down well. I'm still to be convinced his re-signing was a good move, but a cameo when down to 10 admittedly wasn't the time. I hope he starts Saturday and shows what he can do.

Carlos Mendes-Gomes 6

Honestly hardly remember him doing anything, again limited opportunity with the way the last 20 minutes went. I'm sure theres more to come.