Bolton Wanderers came from behind to rescue what might prove to be a very valuable point in the long run with a late leveller against Morecambe.
Wanderers began the clash at the University of Bolton Stadium exceptionally well and could have been a few goals to the good by half-time.
Dion Charles missed a glorious chance and struck the crossbar with another effort, while Amadou Bakayoko saw an effort land wide.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers clarity on Wigan Athletic clash as Portsmouth League One question remains
But Cole Stockton gave the visitors the advantage after making the most of George Johnston's short pass to give the Shrimps the lead at the break.
Wanderers huffed and puffed after the break but got a stoppage time equaliser when Xavier Amaechi teed up fellow substitute Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to net late on and salvage a point with a 1-1 draw.
Here, we take a look at the clash from a Wanderers perspective and analyse the ups and downs of last night's game at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Ups
Bodvarsson form continues to catch the eye
Bodvarsson being dropped to the bench was the only change Ian Evatt opted to make for the clash against the Shrimps, after he was up there as man of the match contenders against Gillingham.
What was your view of the game last night and do you think it is a point gained or two dropped for Wanderers? Have your say in the comments section below.
The Iceland international came off the bench and proved his worth with an equaliser to clinch a point which might prove very precious by the end of the season.
The January signing has come on leaps and bounds since his move from Millwall and seems to be improving with every game he plays for Bolton and he is contributing to giving Wanderers boss Ian Evatt a welcome selection decision, among many.
Endeavour pays off in the end
The statistics showed that Wanderers had 80 per cent possession and 25 shots on goal during the clash against the Shrimps.
It was a one sided affair which Wanderers constantly tried to get back into after falling behind and, for a time, it looked like it might not pay off.
But Bodvarsson's injury time leveller illustrated that this squad does not surrender points or give up, particularly at the University of Bolton Stadium where they have a formidable record.
Faint play-off hopes still there, just
Wanderers went into the game seven points from the top six on a night of action which saw five other games take place.
Frustratingly for Bolton, all the sides above them in action picked up three points, but the gap to the play-offs remains seven points still stands.
Some may argue and with justification that Bolton's play-off hopes are now over, but while it remains mathematically possible, the target remains.
It may well be that Wanderers have given themselves too much to do now with only nine games left and other contenders with matches in hand on them, but it's not over until it's over.
Downs
Lack of clinical edge nearly costs Wanderers dear
When Stockton put Morecambe in front, Wanderers could have easily been three goals to the good and it would not have flattered them at all.
Charles spurned a glorious opportunity and struck the bar, while Bakayoko saw an effort go agonisingly wide as the hosts utterly dominated.
As against Gillingham over the weekend, Wanderers were somewhat wasteful with their opportunities and that lack of clinical edge in front of goal almost cost them a defeat against the Shrimps before Bodvarsson came to the rescue.
At times, it seemed the emotion of the encounter had an impact on Wanderers and Evatt was right to say that in future, his players must not get embroiled in that and must soley focus on their own game and strengths.
Gifting hosts opener
Shrimps striker Stockton had been kept under lock and key for most of the first half until the University of Bolton Stadium and there was no suggestion that was going to change.
That was until Adam Phillips took advantage of George Johnston's short pass back to James Trafford and found a free Stockton to tap home possibly his easiest goal of the season.
Wanderers had dominated up until that point and gifting the Shrimps a lead was something which nearly proved decisive until Bodvarsson's late heroics.
READ MORE: Jon Dadi Bodvarsson's 'relief' at Bolton fresh start as 'weight off shoulders' after Millwall
