I’m having second thoughts about writing this blog. We introduced the new Bolton Wanderers ‘Know Your Enemy’ section to our podcasts at the start of the season, and in episode 1 (before our first game of the season) we predicted Burnley’s star performers would be eventual goalscorer Charlie Austin and rock-at-theback Jason Shackell. Needless to say, both had storming games.
Before the Forest game, in our last Know Your Enemy blog, we picked out Lewis McGugan and Andy Reid as big threats. Both scored.
So it is with trepidation that we turn our thoughts to the mighty Crawley Town; a non-league side on the brink of closure just a few years ago, now sitting 7th in League 1 with two wins from three games. Let’s take a look.
Dangermen:
At 33, striker and club captain Gary Alexander brings experience and a devastating goalscoring record into the game this evening. The Reds’ frontman netted one goal every two games on loan last season, and already has two to his name this year. In fact, he’s grabbed more than 50 goals in his last 150 games (roughly!), so he certainly knows where the net is. He’s a pest in the box, and has a habit of being in the right place at the right time (think Klasnic). One to watch.
In midfield, it’s all about Sergio Raul Torres. And don’t worry, that’s just one guy, not two of the last decade’s most influential Spanish footballers and a bloke called Sergio. He’s Argentinian, in fact, and although nowhere near as devastating as his various namesakes, Torres is capable of opening defences with his smart movement and eye for a pass.
Finally, 25-year-old Boltonian Nicky Adams signed from Rochdale pre-season, and impressed the Crawley faithful in the build-up to the new season – a wide player, who likes to fizz balls into the box. We’ve been better at defending crosses since the disaster at Turf Moor, but we’ll have to keep that up tonight if we are to avoid being the victims of a giant-killing. On a nother Bolton-related note, ex-Wanderer Mark Connolly is now on their books – let’s hope he doesn’t return to haunt us!
We’ll be at the Broadfield stadium this evening, so keep an eye out for pics and updates on our Twitter feed. No score predictions offered here, but needless to say the Whites will be looking for a win.
Coyle has never been one to dismiss cup competitions in the belief it allows teams to focus on league form (unlike some of his predecessors), so expect a strong team with one or two fringe players getting a run out. Play our game and we should be too strong. After all, last season there were two leagues between Crawley and Bolton.
Come on You Whites!
