Clayton finally proves he’s hot to Trott
CLAYTON DONALDSON was relieved to finally break his duck for crisis club Bolton.
The Jamaican hitman, 34, bagged his first goal for nearly a year as the Trotters recovered from a 1-0 half-time deficit against Walsall to score five goals after the break.
Fellow striker Josh Magennis netted a hat-trick and Jon Guthrie’s unlucky own goal helped the cash-strapped Lancashire club avoid an upset against the spirited Saddlers. The win also provided some much-needed cheer at the end of a testing week for Bolton, who were hit for six by Hull in the Championship on Tuesday.
“It was nice to get my first goal, it gives me confidence going forward,” said Donaldson.
“It’s a massive win for us. Financially getting into the next round is great. Hopefully we can get a big tie and it helps the club.
“The off-field issues haven’t helped but once you step on to the pitch, you have to put them to the back of your mind.
“The manager (Phil Parkinson) has got a lot to deal with but he allows us to play.
“We showed a lot of belief to pull it back and score five goals.
“We needed that confidence and belief with everything that’s been going on.” Andy Cook headed the League One visitors ahead but three goals in five crazy minutes swung the tie, even though Mark Beevers’ own goal gave Dean Keates’ side hope at 3-2.
Saddlers boss Keates said: “We got a little bit shell-shocked and it’s something that needs to be addressed.
“In the first half we were outstanding but in the second half we needed to regroup into our shape quicker. We need to stay focused.” DYNAMIC DUO: Magennis with match ball and Donaldson