Opinion: Player Ratings Vs. Bolton Wanderers

Birmingham City completed the 1-0 double over struggling Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night in front of a crowd just shy of the 16,000 mark.

With chances limited for either side due to some poor refereeing decisions throughout the game, Gary Rowett’s side managed to find one moment of magic which ultimately swung the game in their favour.

After a Trotters freekick was cleared in the Blues penalty area, the home side broke down the left with on loan Sunderland winger Will Buckley.

A smart ball to Diego Fabbrini allowed the Italian international to produce a smart bit of trickery to go past his defender and a pass with the outside of his foot found Clayton Donaldson in the box who poked the ball past the on rushing Paul Rachubka.

Despite the game not being pretty, Blues still managed to get three more points on the board, and they could prove to be a crucial three points as well.

Below are the ratings that I have given to each individual who played a part in the narrow win along with my Man of the Match.

Kuszczak: 6 – Rarely tested.

Shotton: 8 – My Man of the Match. Very strong defensively and looks like he could be a very good signing from Rowett.

Morrison: 6 – Strong in the air throughout.

Robinson: 7 – Committed to challenges as always.

Grounds: 7 – Produced a good pass in the build up to the goal and was defensively sound.

Kieftenbeld: 5 – Not his usual fiery self, maybe because he is wary of picking up another booking.

Gleeson: 7 – Excellent range of passing, both short and long.

Buckley: 6 – Rarely challenged his full back and could have to settle for a place on the bench at the weekend.

Fabbrini: 6 – Besides the neat trick to set up the goal, didn’t take his chance.

Maghoma: 8 – Close runner with Shotton for MotM. Willing runner during the game and was excellent going forward.

Donaldson: 7 – Good finish and movement for the goal. Getting back to his usual goalscoring self.

Substitutes:

Cotterill: 5 – Wasteful with the ball when he came on, but a few good deliveries.

Toral: 6 – Looked good when he came on and produced a few neat touches and passes.

Blues fans, do you agree with the ratings that have been given? Who was your Man of the Match? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!