Bristol Rovers kick off an incredibly tough trio of fixtures in the run up to Christmas with a home clash against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon with the Whites seemingly picking up form having experienced a mixed campaign so far.
It was a real shock to not only see them lose to Oxford United in the play-off final at Wembley back in May, but the fact that they were second-best for the majority of the contest. From the outside looking in, it felt inevitable that Bolton were going to be the third team promoted to the Championship alongside Portsmouth and Derby County.
However, promoted they were not and the Wanderers have had to pick themselves up and dust themselves down before going again in League One, something that appears to have proven difficult, at least at the start of the campaign.
Fast forward to the present day though and Ian Evatt’s side are seventh in the league table having won three out of their last four matches across all competitions with a draw in there as well.
Additionally, ex-Rovers favourite and promotion hero Aaron Collins is in good goalscoring form with four goals in his last four appearances ahead of the Welshman’s Mem return on Saturday.
Although they still aren’t where they would like to be in regards to the league standings, it does appear, from the outside at least, that Bolton are now on their way up. To get a more accurate reading and assessment of the Whites’ campaign so far, Bristol Live spoke to chief football writer at the Bolton NewsMarc Iles to get the lowdown on all things Wanderers.
What was the reaction amongst Bolton supporters following the play-off final defeat?
Disappointment, understandably. Bolton were heavy favourites going into the game at Wembley and had beaten Oxford United 5-0 only six weeks earlier. But it was more the manner of the defeat, the fact nobody really showed up. Really damaging.
How would you assess Bolton’s season so far?
The first five games were a real bust, and we did wonder what psychological effect the play-off final defeat had left on the players. Since then, Bolton haven’t approached nearly their best but have still been able to keep the points ticking over. They have also thrown in some genuinely poor games, so they remain a tough team to read.
Has pressure on Ian Evatt eased lately or are there still supporters calling for change in the dugout?
The manager knows what he is up against, and he can probably do himself the world of good this month with some tough games over the festive period.
Critics remain, and that might just be par for the course whilst Bolton remain a club in the third tier.
Which games have been the stand out matches of the campaign for Bolton so far from both perspectives?
The best is arguably the 1-0 win against Peterborough United, or 4-1 at Northampton Town, the worst a 5-0 hammering at Stockport or a 4-0 defeat at home to Huddersfield. Been a real mixed bag at times.
Even in a much tougher League One, is the target still automatic promotion for Bolton?
I don’t think League One is tougher, being honest. There are eight to 10 teams who could go up, so maintaining some degree of consistency is key. Bolton look like they are going to invest in January too, so don’t rule them out just yet.
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How has Aaron Collins done in a Bolton shirt almost a year on from his departure from Rovers?
He has been asked to play a slightly different role this season, as a withdrawn striker, but he has been in a decent run of scoring form. I like the fact he backs himself to score from anywhere and he has formed a decent partnership with John McAtee in particular.
Who are the Bolton players to look out for on Saturday in your opinion?
You know about Collins, and you should really know about Dion Charles – he has scored five goals in five games against Bristol Rovers, including a hat-trick for Accrington in a 6-1 win a few years back.
One that you may not know about is Szabolcs Schön, a Hungary international wing-back who has been superb since he came to English football in the summer.
What is your predicted line up and how do you see the game going?
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1): Baxter; Jones, Santos, Johnston; Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Sheehan, Schön; Collins, McAtee; Charles.
There will be goals, I know that much. I’ll go for a slender 2-1 win for the Wanderers.