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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Daniel Murphy

Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Lincoln City as Kieran Lee and Dion Charles brilliant in win

James Trafford

On the few occasions he was called upon he was on hand to save Bolton but a largely quiet afternoon. Always well-timed off his line to clean up any potential danger and pinpoint distribution. Made a terrific save at the death to keep his clean sheet intact. 7

Gethin Jones

Jones' natural right-back position means he can get forward so well to link up with Bradley and really make that right side a threat. He did so again and was so close to an assist in the second half. A steady match at the back with some important interceptions and clean-up jobs. 7

Ricardo Santos

Bullied the opposition at times whenever they foolishly tried to wrestle him for the ball. Was caught out by Jordon Garrick in the opening stages which was nearly costly but otherwise not a lot got past him. 7

ALSO READ: Bolton vs Lincoln LIVE reaction

George Johnston

A thunderous challenge that echoed around the UniBol in the opening minutes set the tone for an imperious display. Despite having the troublesome Garrick on his side, Johnston kept him mostly quiet by always being first to the ball, making several well-timed tackles, throwing himself in front of shots and winning everything in the air. Did well to reduce the danger of a late Lincoln counter. 8

Conor Bradley

Bradley started the match a little quiet, with some of his attempted passes not reaching the mark but he grew into the first half as it wore on to become a constant danger down Lincoln's right. One lovely flick in a move with Jones and Lee in the first half particularly stands out. Didn't get quite as much joy in the second half aside from one nice move with Jones. 5

MJ Williams

While Thomason and Lee did the nice stuff, Williams was the dependable anchor in the midfield that kept things ticking and was always on hand to win the ball back and allow the Whites to maintain their pressure. Some excellent cross-field passing and snuffed out a couple of dangerous counters. Was caught in possession once but had teammates to cover for him. 7

George Thomason

What a run he is having. The 21-year-old knocked the ball around with the swagger of a player who's been doing this for a decade. His interplay with Lee was delightful and his energy in midfield was integral to Bolton's high press. 7

Jack Iredale

There were a few miscues in his distribution, especially from set pieces, and he struggled to make much of an impact going forward. Solid enough at the back, though. 5

Kieran Lee

An overhit cross in the opening stages aside, Lee once again displayed that he is a cut above League One with a classy display not usually seen at this level. His nonchalant passing and intelligent movement make Bolton such a great side to watch in full flow. A deftly clipped pass to Charles one of many highlights. Denied a goal by an inch-perfect tackle. 8

Elias Kachunga

Remains frustrating. Work rate and desire can never be questioned but quality can vary massively from moment to moment. Should have scored twice after being played through in the first half but took too long to shoot and had a chance put on a plate for him in the second but missed the ball. It was his tenacity and smart thinking that won the penalty and he works really well with Charles. 6

Dion Charles

Goals, skill, tireless running. There's not much more Charles can do to help his side. A great display in which his relentless pressing drove Bolton forward, as well as winning several free kicks and launching counter-attacks. He dispatched the opener from the penalty spot, pulled off a great piece of skill and should have had an assist for Kachunga. Only mishap was when he should have shot after being teed up by Dempsey but took too long. 8

Substitutes

Kyle Dempsey

Immediately involved in the action and a more than capable stand-in for Lee, which says a lot. 6

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson

Was aware when the ball was thrown straight at him and then played a nice one-two with Afolayan before coolly slotting home. 7

Dapo Afolayan

Alert to Bodvarsson's interception and made the right decision by playing him in on goal. A nice assist. 7

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