Bolton Wanderers miserable start to the season continued last night as they were beaten on penalties by Rochdale in the EFL Cup.
Ali Crawford gave them the lead with a sumptuous free kick and for a short while it seemed as though they were set for their first win of the post-Anderson era.
Sadly, Aaron Wilbraham levelled for the hosts, who made a number of changes from their regular starting XI. There were no further goals, although Verlinden did net in the final minute, only for Will Buckley to be penalised for a foul in the build-up.
That left the two sides level and sharing a point, but Adam Chicksen’s miss meant that Rochdale took the bonus point in the group. Keith Hill will have seen enough to give him some degree of positivity this season, although it’s becoming increasingly evident they’re going to struggle to find enough form in the league to overturn their points deficit.
It’s the second time they’ve been to Spotland this season, having lost 5-2 in the first round of the EFL Cup. They’ve also already been beaten in the EFL Trophy on penalties this season as well, going down against Bradford City after a 1-1 draw at the University of Bolton Stadium.
That’s prompted one fan to draw comparisons with England, although it’s probably the only time this year that Bolton Wanderers will be likened to the national side.
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