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Manchester Evening News

Sport

John McDougall

Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Accrington Stanley - Dapo Afolayan great in comeback victory

Dapo Afolayan Wanderers Bolton (Organization) Bolton Wanderers Stanley (Organization) Accrington (Organization) Accrington Stanley Shaun Whalley James Trafford Ricardo Santos

Bolton Wanderers came from behind and turned around a two goal deficit against Accrington Stanley to claim three points.

Shaun Whalley's effort put the hosts ahead early in the first half. Kyle Dempsey had a pair of efforts, one from a free kick, saved by Toby Savin, while Dion Charles saw a goalbound rebound blocked by Mitch Clark.

After the break, Wanderers went two behind when George Johnston headed past James Trafford to double Stanley's lead, before Ricardo Santos headed off the line from Whalley. Wanderers got back into the game thanks to Harvey Rodgers putting through his own net.

And Dapo Afolayan completed the comeback with a marvellous solo effort to put the Whites in the lead. It proved to be the winner as Wanderers secured their first League One win and indeed goals in the division since the start of October to move back into the division's play-off places.

Here's how we rated the Wanderers players in the encounter:

James Trafford - 6.5

Started against his former loan side. Nervous moment early on against Joe Pritchard before conceding Shaun Whalley's opener. Denied Whalley well after the break.

Gethin Jones - 6

Caught upfield like Santos for opening goal. Looked better when playing at right-back in the second half when Wanderers switched to a 4-3-3. Booked for timewasting.

Ricardo Santos - 6.5

Positioning could have been much better for opening goal after being caught upfield. Cleared off the line from Whalley to prevent a goal and was generally solid one v one throughout.

George Johnston - 6.5

Made several clearances and interceptions at the back. Unwittingly headed past Trafford for Accrington's second goal, but headed across the area which led to Bolton halving deficit.

Lloyd Isgrove - 6

Handed first League One start since last November. Some good crossing at times on the right flank and good energy. Taken off early in second half.

MJ Williams - 5.5

Had looked combative in the middle but was outfoxed by Joe Pritchard in run-up to opening goal. Replaced just after half-time with Wanderers needing a goal.

Kyle Dempsey - 7.5

Grew into the game as it went on. Saw first half free-kick saved by Toby Savin before the goalkeeper denied him again before half-time, though set piece delivery could have been better.

Dapo Afolayan - 8

Lined up in unfamiliar left wing-back role. Didn't do too bad defensively and grew into game on left flank. Went centrally early in second half and became very influential, illustrated perfectly with third goal.

Kieran Lee - 7.5

Some nice touches from veteran midfielder and in the right place to tap home the equaliser in the second half.

Dion Charles - 6.5

Striker started at Wham Stadium against old employers following January transfer move. Booed with every touch by home support, but alert for rebound at end of first half. Nearly scored but put in good shift against old side.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson - 5

Overcame midweek rolled ankle injury to start the encounter. Saw early chance bounce wide of goal and headed wide moments before coming off.

Substitutes:

Jack Iredale - 7.5

Added quality down the left flank and made real impact from the bench. Put in cross which led to Bolton's first goal and caused problems on the left.

Elias Kachunga - 7

Workrate a big asset when coming on and helped create equaliser with ball back across goal for Lee to finish.

George Thomason - 7

Great range of passing and added some control in the middle of the park after coming on.

Amadou Bakayoko - 5.5

Added some energy in the closing stages of the game.

Kieran Sadlier - 5