Defence on top but goals lacking - Two ups & two downs…

Defence on top but goals lacking - Two ups & two downs from Bolton Wanderers' draw to Barnsley

Bolton Wanderers picked up a point at home with a goalless draw versus Barnsley.

The Whites were back at home yesterday and seeking to return to winning ways against the Tykes, following back to back losses against Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers. He made three changes to his team, including restoring Dapo Afolayan to the starting XI.

But despite opportunities for the likes of Afolayan, Dion Charles and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Wanderers were unable to break the deadlock against a Barnsley side which rarely threatened. The Whites remain just outside the play-offs and level on points with the Tykes after the spoils were shared.

Here, we analyse the game from a Wanderers perspective and look at the ups and downs from the encounter.

Ups

Clean sheet and best defensive record in division continues

Wanderers boasted the best defensive record in League One prior to the encounter. The eight goals conceded in the division was the best.

The Whites recorded another clean sheet in the draw, their seventh this season, and they never looked likely not to do so. The Tykes created very little which caused James Trafford any concern.

The Yorkshire side were in the Championship last season and Wanderers contained what attacks they did mount very well indeed. Wanderers have developed a solid bedrock this season which could be a clear foundation for success.

Three losses on bounce avoided and league position

Wanderers had gone into the game on the back of two away losses and would have been seeking to avoid three on the spin. They managed to do so as they took advantage of their formidable home form.

They looked the more likely side to take three points, certainly with what they created in the first half. A lack of cutting edge proved to be what cost them.

But the point ensured Ian Evatt's side remain seventh and just outside the League One play-offs on goals scored. With a game in hand over the likes of Peterborough United in front of them, Bolton know a place in the top six is still within reach at this early stage of the season.

Downs

Third game in a row with a blank

Wanderers have now gone three games without scoring in probably the only big piece of the puzzle which has gone missing right now. The last goals came in the 2-0 win over Lincoln City at the start of the month.

Bolton have scored 13 goals so far in League One this season. A glance at the table shows they lag far behind the sides near the top of the division in this aspect and many in the top half of the standings.

The Whites unquestionably have goals potential within their ranks, which was proven last season and at times this campaign. But this run of blanks is one which must come to an end sooner rather than later.

Strikers still yet to catch fire

Bolton boss Evatt backed his strikers before the game after admitting a meeting had taken place with them earlier this week. They were told more is needed from them, which they agreed with.

But like in previous fixtures, chances came for them but were not taken. Opportunites for the likes of Charles and Bodvarsson were not taken, especially in the first half where, had Bolton been clinical, they would have been leading comfortably.

Wanderers may need goals generally, but they certainly need them from the forward players, who have bagged two goals from open play in League One so far this season. If Wanderers have aspirations of challenging for promotion this season, that must improve.

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