That has to be the worse game I have seen this season. Bolton also being the worse side we have faced and yet we still somehow lost.
Having six regulars out and the windy condititions didn't help either.
After a scrappy opening ten minutes play was held up for the second head clash of the day. A friend sat near the Bolton dug-out heard assistant boss Phil Brown talk into his walkie-talkie to Allardyce, saying 'Great , scrappy game that 'll suit us down to the ground'.
We started brightly with Fredi and Defoe both going close, the latter from a good build up and excellent pass form Cole.
Labant was causing havoc with that sweet left foot, especially from some viscious inswinging corners and free kicks.
For most of the game Michael Missitts was the lone striker for the Trotters, he only had one real effort and that was a virtual pass back to James. On this evidence he'll not exactly add much to Svens squad.
The powerfully built Danish debutant dwarf Tofting was letting Joe know he was around, but Bolton offered little attacking threat. Then we go and do it again, conceding from a set piece shortly before half time. It's a problem that has to be addressed and soon.
The second half we pretty much controlled without creating too many clear cut chances. James didn't have a shot of any note to save throughout. Fredi had a good shout for a penalty, Joe miscued under pressure and Dailly somehow headed over a free header from a corner.
Right at the death sub Kitson was denied by the flying Finn keeper as his header was stopped.
Star man was Lomas for his endless energy and the way he held the midfield together. The three man defence of Minto , Foxe and Daily were rarely troubled and on reflection it may have been wiser for Roeder to switch to 4-4-2. Especially as Ricketts was playing as a lone striker for most of the game.
Trouble is there was no-one really on the bench who could affect such a change. It really does highlight the need to bring two or three players in. As well as he tried Garcia wasn't up to scratch and as I said the bench was very weak.
Fredi was always a threat with his skill but once again he frustrated with his languid style. Defoe was well marshalled but was tireless. Paul Kitson was upset at both being dropped after Wednesday and being brought on too late in the game but a fit Fredi and JD it had to be.
Once again we've been the better team away from home but somehow come away with nothing. They talk about Chelsea being a Jeckyl and Hide side but our boys are cheating us fans who support them on their travels and it's got beyond a joke.
I saw commentator Stuart Hall emerge after the game and he summed up the afternoon perfectly. He was racing about demanding a drink claiming he deserved one after having to endure that rubbish. He may be as mad as a Hatter but he was spot on.
At least we tried to play football on the day and we were a class above Bolton when we did. Everyone keeps saying to me our home form will ensure we won't get involved in the dogfight. So what happens if Smogsbrough come and shut up shop as they will and sneak a goal?
I just hope we don't have to go to Villa under anymore pressure to sort our away form out than at present.
Player Ratings:
James 7
Dailly 7
Foxe 6
Minto 6
Schemmel 7
Garcia 6 (Kitson 6)
Lomas MOTM 8
Cole 7
Labant 7
Defoe 6
Kanoute 6