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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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John McDougall

Charles exceptional - Four ups and one down from Bolton Wanderers' win over Charlton Athletic

Bolton Wanderers have maintained their place in the top half of the League One table with victory over Charlton Athletic as they went six games unbeaten.

Dion Charles put Wanderers in front early on after getting the better of Akin Famewo and rounding Craig MacGillivray to give the hosts the lead.

But the Addicks equalised when substitute Chuks Aneke rose highest to head past James Trafford.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Charlton Athletic - Dion Charles, Ricardo Santos and MJ Williams good

However, Wanderers retook the lead and what proved to be the three points when Will Aimson headed home Aaron Morley's dangerous free-kick to give Wanderers 16 points out of their last 18 on offer.

Here, we analyse the win at the University of Bolton Stadium and take a look at the ups and downs from a Wanderers perspective after a fourth win at home on the bounce.

Ups

Charles looking extraordinary piece of business

Charles was the first piece of January transfer window business done by Wanderers as the striker was acquired from Accrington Stanley.

And after his first month as a Wanderers player, the transfer fee invested by Bolton looks to be a wise one to say the least and potentially even a steal.

Charles now has four goals for his new club, the latest being last night against the Addicks and one which he created himself by his own determination and willingness.

It was arguably his most impressive performance so far in a Bolton shirt, not giving the Charlton defence a moment's peace and leading the line exceptionally well, all pointing to what a brilliant piece of business it was to bring him to the UniBol as part of a new look attack.

Winning while not at best

Wanderers were far from at their best and, as Ian Evatt admitted afterwards, looked jaded following their exersions at Morecambe over the weekend.

Bolton are currently in the middle of a busy February fixture list with Saturday-Tuesday matches in their schedule.

But perhaps a satisfying trait was that Wanderers picked up three points while not being at their best, which as many say is always the hallmark of a good side.

Before, Wanderers have had to have usually been at full tilt to pick up victories under Evatt.

That performance was not the case against the Addicks but the three points were picked up nonetheless, pointing to a big change in how this team has evolved.

Set piece goal wins game

If memory serves, Ryan Delaney's goal last season on the road against Cheltenham Town is one of the few times a set piece goal has proved to be decisive in Bolton's favour under Evatt.

But Morley's free kick was nodded home by Aimson to give Wanderers a big win and from an avenue they perhaps ought to make greater inroads from in the future.

Bolton unquestionably have aerial threats in the box with the likes of defender Aimson, Ricardo Santos and George Johnston.

And with the teasing deliveries of Morley, it perhaps give Bolton a greater chance in the future to make the most of this aspect of the game.

Changes to come back in and freshen things up

Though it was not the best performance from Bolton, the perhaps encouraging thing for Evatt and Wanderers is that reinforcements are ready and waiting to freshen things up in many areas if the team is tiring.

The likes of Kieran Sadlier, Amadou Bakayoko and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson are all relatively fresh options in attack.

The key Kieran Lee did not get thrust into the action last night and is being carefully managed to pick and choose the games for him, while Johnston ought to be back at the weekend against Oxford United to add another fresh option in central defence.

Options are clearly there for Evatt and they will no doubt be drawn upon in the coming games and weeks.

Downs

Improved performance needed for Oxford

For whatever reason, Bolton were not at their fluid best against the Addicks and struggling to find consistent rhythm in the encounter as they looked jaded and tired at times.

It led to flashes and spells from Wanderers and opportunites being duly taken to get them over the line versus Charlton.

But it is clear there will need to be an improvement this weekend when they travel to the Kassam Stadium to take on Oxford.

Karl Robinson's side are in the top six and will be seeking to bounce back from last night's loss to Accrington Stanley.

Wanderers will be under no illusions that the overall performance must be better to get something against the U's.

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