Bolton Wanderers bowed out of the Vertu Trophy after a narrow defeat to Wrexham, with Andy Cannon’s second-half strike securing the home side’s place in the semi-finals against Peterborough United.
Steven Schumacher’s side had several opportunities to take the game to penalties, but despite dominating spells of possession and late chances, they were unable to find the equaliser.
The first half saw Bolton control possession, but they found Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo in fine form once again. The former Bolton loanee denied Josh Sheehan with a full-stretch save before charging out to block Josh Dacres-Cogley’s effort just before the break.
Referee Decisions Leave Bolton Frustrated
Referee Ross Joyce, who has had previous controversial encounters with Bolton, was again in the spotlight. Josh Sheehan received an early yellow card for what appeared to be a soft challenge on Elliott Lee, while Bolton saw several penalty appeals waved away.
Victor Adeboyejo, partnered up front with Klaidi Lolos, had an early opportunity but failed to convert, while George Johnston forced Okonkwo into a smart save with a dipping cross. Despite creating numerous half-chances, Bolton went into the break level.
Cannon Fires Wrexham to Victory
Bolton started the second half brightly, with Jones pulling the ball back for Lolos, only for Lewis Brunt to deny him with a crucial sliding challenge.
As Schumacher tweaked his tactics and introduced McAtee and Aaron Collins, Wrexham responded with a quadruple substitution, including the introduction of January signings Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute. Andy Cannon, who had endured a quiet game, found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that bounced in off the inside of the post.
Late Drama but No Reward for Wanderers
Bolton’s hopes were dashed further when referee Joyce declined to award a free-kick for a challenge on Collins at the edge of the box. As the match drew to a close, Schumacher introduced ex-Leeds United trainee Ben Andreucci for his debut.
Even in stoppage time, Bolton came agonisingly close. Dacres-Cogley and Collins combined to set up McAtee, whose effort squeezed past the goalkeeper but rebounded off the base of the post, leaving Wanderers heartbroken.
Writer’s View
Bolton Wanderers will feel hard done by after a game in which they created enough chances to extend their cup run. They will have another shot at Wrexham when the two teams meet in March, where Bolton will hope for a different result.
