Bolton 2-2 Reading

Reading are just six points ahead of us but with 2 games in hand, the first being against Wolves this afternoon, so whilst I reckon we have to be considered slight favourites on Tuesday due to our recent form, it's a worry. Sunderland have a good chance of overtaking us this afternoon with a home tie against Millwall and a new manager, Birmingham perhaps less so against Forest, but wherever we are in the table on Tuesday it is very tight and as we've got Wolves away in the following game, we really need to win.
It's a home match so I expect us to try and get on the front foot and am predicting a 3 - 1 victory to keep us in contention with the teams around us.

I think that's a bit optimistic, Lusty. Not sure Sunderland will have the "New manager spell" cast on them. They're in a dire position. Brum will fade a bit and we hopefully will give Reading what for but a tight game. After Christmas will be a telling point. We might be able to kick on and aim for mid table. We seem to be doing a Wigan at the moment and I'm confident we'll survive. Fingers crossed, prayers said, rain dance completed and lucky rabbits foot kissed by half the squadron.

Bollotom2014 wrote:I think that's a bit optimistic, Lusty. Not sure Sunderland will have the "New manager spell" cast on them. They're in a dire position. Brum will fade a bit and we hopefully will give Reading what for but a tight game. After Christmas will be a telling point. We might be able to kick on and aim for mid table. We seem to be doing a Wigan at the moment and I'm confident we'll survive. Fingers crossed, prayers said, rain dance completed and lucky rabbits foot kissed by half the squadron.

I'm optimistic? And you mention "mid-table"? 
(BTW Wigan were relegated  )
I reckon Coleman will use his extensive contacts to their full extent in January and Sunderland will move up the table, which is why we need to make hay when we can - against teams like Reading.

...and within 10 minutes, Brum and Sunderland both winning putting us back to the bottom of the pile. Effing typical!

Late, late equaliser from Ipswich has kept Hull from sneaking away from us, but with Brum winning and Sunderland drawing - and already showing signs of improving - it's not been a great weekend for us overall. All the more vital we beat Reading.

I will feel confident once we are above Millwall and we have more points than games. but the run continues so all's well for Reading. and we have to close the gap to the pack ASAP.

wanderlust wrote:

Bollotom2014 wrote:I think that's a bit optimistic, Lusty. Not sure Sunderland will have the "New manager spell" cast on them. They're in a dire position. Brum will fade a bit and we hopefully will give Reading what for but a tight game. After Christmas will be a telling point. We might be able to kick on and aim for mid table. We seem to be doing a Wigan at the moment and I'm confident we'll survive. Fingers crossed, prayers said, rain dance completed and lucky rabbits foot kissed by half the squadron.

I'm optimistic? And you mention "mid-table"? 
(BTW Wigan were relegated  )
I reckon Coleman will use his extensive contacts to their full extent in January and Sunderland will move up the table, which is why we need to make hay when we can - against teams like Reading.

I think it was two seasons ago. Wigan were in crap and no chance but then picked up and went on a great run to avoid defeat in that season. Sorry I said you're optimistic. You're obviously not, you miserable clunker. 

wanderlust wrote:

Bollotom2014 wrote:I think that's a bit optimistic, Lusty. Not sure Sunderland will have the "New manager spell" cast on them. They're in a dire position. Brum will fade a bit and we hopefully will give Reading what for but a tight game. After Christmas will be a telling point. We might be able to kick on and aim for mid table. We seem to be doing a Wigan at the moment and I'm confident we'll survive. Fingers crossed, prayers said, rain dance completed and lucky rabbits foot kissed by half the squadron.

I'm optimistic? And you mention "mid-table"? 
(BTW Wigan were relegated  )
I reckon Coleman will use his extensive contacts to their full extent in January and Sunderland will move up the table, which is why we need to make hay when we can - against teams like Reading.

I share most of our outlook Lust, but think you're overplaying Coleman a tad. Wildly underwhelming throughout the majority of his managerial career and looked to be on the scrapheap before he got the Wales job, not sure how well connected he really is or capable of saving Sunderland.

I guess I am optimistic despite seeing the quality in the other teams around us. At Sunderland I see quality players  - better than ours - who are underperforming and there is every chance that Coleman will get them sorted. Reading were immense but unlucky yesterday and Birmingham didn't really look like a team in trouble and deserved their win. Perhaps it's because I think that if we are to have any chance of survival with this squad they are going to have to step up to another level. We already improved in October but unfortunately not enough to convert those draws into the wins we need to close the gap so another step up is required and it could do with starting against a Reading side that were desperately unlucky against Wolves who we play next. 
If we lose to Reading on Tuesday - and we will do if both teams play as they did this weekend - we'll be in big trouble so I'm praying for a season best performance to get us through.

I think we'll edge this one either 2-1 or 1-0 but it will be nervous and not a good one to watch.

Phil Parkinson's men will host Reading on Tuesday 21 November and supporters can watch the game at Macron Stadium for just £15 for adults and £7 for concessions.


Family tickets are also available in the Carrs Pasties Family Stand and are priced at only £20 for one adult and one under 18 year-old or £40 for two adults and two under 18 year-olds.

Tickets are can be purchased in person at Bolton Central or by calling 0844 871 2932, option 2 then option 1. Alternatively, supporters can book their tickets online by [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


Supporters looking to upgrade their match day experience for this fixture can purchase hospitality places in the Lion of Vienna Suite for only £70. This includes a delicious one-course meal plus a cushioned seat in a prime viewing location.

Season Ticket Holders can upgrade their ticket to the Lion of Vienna Suite for just £50.
For further details or to book please contact the Sales Team 01204 673761, email [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].uk or [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] to book online.

Beevers suspended for this one having picked up 5 bookings.

both full backs doubtful if Darby plays we might be in trouble. but will go 2-1

Preview: Five talking points ahead of Bolton Wanderers v Reading

As Wanderers host Reading on Tuesday night looking to maintain their recent unbeaten run, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites' Sky Bet Championship clash with the Royals.

1. Unbeaten run

Wanderers head into Tuesday night's game with Reading unbeaten from their last six outings.

Picking up maximum points against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City, the Whites had only late goals to curse for stalemates against Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Sunderland before fighting out a goalless draw with Preston North End last Friday.

But despite the recent November international break temporarily halting momentum, Bolton's current form sees them confident as they go in search of a third home win from four outings.

And with Phil Parkinson's men slowly narrowly the gap between themselves and the teams outside the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone, a victory for the Trotters could see them climb out of the bottom three if other results go their way.

2. Defensive re-shuffle?

Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed in his pre-match press conference that both Mark Little and Antonee Robinson are injury doubts for Tuesday's clash with the Royals after picking up knocks at Deepdale.

With Mark Beevers suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Preston, this leaves David Wheater as potentially the lone survivor of Wanderers' back four for their clash with the Royals.

Stephen Darby, Dorian Dervite, Derik Osede and Reece Burke are all on standby to step in if required, though Andrew Taylor is unlikely to be risked.

Elsewhere, former Reading man Adam Le Fondre is back in contention after recovering from injury but Aaron Wilbraham and Chris Taylor remain sidelined.

3. £15 tickets

Supporters can watch Tuesday night's game at Macron Stadium for just £15 for adults and £7 for concessions!

Family tickets are also available in the Carrs Pasties Family Stand and are priced at only £20 for one adult and one under 18 year-old or £40 for two adults and two under 18 year-olds.

Buy your tickets online HERE and show your support for the mighty Whites!

4. Free concessionary upgrades

Concessionary season card holders wishing to upgrade their tickets for Tuesday's game can do so free of charge.

Available to supporters in possession of under-12, under-18, under-23, over-65 and over-75 season cards, fans are able to upgrade their ticket to a full adult as Bolton host Reading.

All adults wishing to use a concessionary season card simply has to present the card at the turnstile to gain entry to the stadium. No paper upgrade ticket will be needed for this fixture.

Tickets for the fixture remain on open sale and are available to purchase online and ‘Print at Home’ HERE.

Alternatively, tickets are also available over the phone on 0844 871 2932 or in person at Bolton Central.

5. Chairman Q&A and player signing session

It's set to be a busy pre-match at Macron Stadium on Tuesday night with Chairman Ken Anderson conducting a Q&A session with supporters from 6pm, with Mark Beevers, Chris Taylor and Aaron Wilbraham later taking part in a signing session at 7pm.

The event with the Chairman is open to all Wanderers ticket-holders and will take place in Reflections at Bolton Whites Hotel from 6pm.

Meanwhile, fans are encouraged to arrive in plenty of time at Bolton Central for the latest meet and gree session, with Beevers, Taylor and Wilbraham on hand to sign memorabilia and pose for photos.
With Bolton's 2017/18 home shirt back in stock in store, 'Wanderers Return', the club's 2016/17 promotion-winning commemorative book, available for a reduced price of just £7.99 and the Trotters' official matchday programme, 'The Wanderer' also on sale, fans will have plenty of opportunities to get merchandise signed by the trio!
 
So make sure you arrive at Macron Stadium early before cheering on Wanderers as they look to extend their unbeaten run!

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Ref watch: Andrew Madley to run the rule over Reading match

Andrew Madley is set to take charge of Wanderers' meeting with Reading at Macron Stadium on Tuesday night.

Currently amidst his seventh season as a professional referee, the West Yorkshire-based official first took charge of a Whites game in January 2013 for the Whites' 1-1 draw with Millwall at Macron Stadium.

Since then the official has overseen a further six Bolton games, his last being the Trotters' home defeat to Ipswich Town earlier this season.

He has refereed 17 games so far this campaign, dishing out 45 yellow cards and no red cards, while he issued 146 yellow cards and eight red cards from 43 games last season.

Robert Merchant and James Wilson will run the line while Eddie Ilderton is the fourth official.

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Could be a completely different back 4 tonight, not good news 

Norpig wrote:Could be a completely different back 4 tonight, not good news 

It should be an entertaining game of football tonight, for the wrong reasons, if we're having to turn out a Div 3 standard defence.
 I would think if we score less than 3 we won't win.

might have to change my score prediction 

I'm going for a 1-1 draw for this game. 

It's a shitty Tuesday night, cold and wet and neither team will be up for it and all would rather be at home in bed sucking their thumbs!