Bolton on the march

Friday, 06/01/2012

by Emma Norris, Shoot's Bolton blogger

After what can only be described as a nerve-shredding 2011, the Wanderers certainly started the New Year with a bang against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.

A victory that was far from expected given the Toffees’ fine form of late, the three points earned there could have a huge impact on the club’s season as a whole.

As a result of the 2-1 win, the Whites leapfrogged both Blackburn and Wigan into 18th position to be within a point of safety – a much healthier outlook than prior to kick off.

Sometimes with football it is purely down to blind faith, but I was quietly confident leading up to the game itself. Although I was naturally worried about the implications of a defeat – Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are next on the agenda – I simply had a feeling that a new year would mean better things for Bolton Wanderers.

Admittedly Everton were hampered by injuries – the influential duo of Royston Drenthe and Marouane Fellaini were a big miss for David Moyes’ side, but there is no denying that they still have quality in abundance.

From the outset however, the Wanderers looked the more likely victors. It was clear to see that the team were playing with the belief that they could leave with a crucial win, and that paid off despite a hiccup with Tim Howard’s freak goal.

The Whites showed great resistance though by picking themselves up, brushing themselves down and biting back to silence their critics and send those in the away enclosure into raptures.

It seems as though Gary Cahill may have left us with the perfect leaving present with his well taken goal. The central defender put in a captain’s performance throughout the game and capped it off with the winner 12 minutes from time.

I’m sure that every single Bolton supporter will join me in thanking Gary for his contributions over the past few years – we certainly have no qualms about allowing him to leave, with him having undoubtedly left us with some fantastic memories.

Looking ahead, the Whites make the trip to Macclesfield in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. Although the mere mention of the competition still hurts a little after last season, it could be the perfect way to announce to the beautiful game that we are back in business.

Watch out Premier League – you should never write Bolton Wanderers off.

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