Bolton's assessment of Grimsby

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Although the form book would suggest otherwise, Grimsby’s perilous situation at the foot of League Two made them dangerous opponents. Coupled with an unpredictable pitch, an uber direct style, and a pair of strikers who could easily double as nightclub bouncers, they represent the type of opponent that Bolton have struggled to overcome convincingly this season.

The Mariners used every opportunity to feed the ball into the box for James Hanson or Lennell John-Lewis, then getting midfielders to seize on the knockdowns at breakneck speed. The policy was so effective and Bolton rendered such a spectator at times that you wondered why Paul Hurst’s side were not competing at the top end of the table, rather than looking to avoid an away game in Weymouth next season.

The trick may well have been to cut down the supply line of crosses – 28 in total from open play on the day – and in this sense you wonder if the physical exertions at Salford had slowed Bolton’s full-backs and defensive midfielders on the day.

Taken for the Bolton local newspaper.