Brewers can target early top spot with a win tonight
NOT that it matters especially at this stage of the season but Burton Albion can go to the top of League One if they beat Bolton Wanderers tonight at the University of Bolton Stadium (8pm), writes Colston Crawford.
The international break meant that only three games were played in the division at the weekend, the most significant result seeing Accrington Stanley rise to second with a 1-0 home win over Shrewsbury Town.
If Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s assessment is correct, Bolton, promoted back from League Two at the first attempt last season, will play the type of football which tends to suit the Brewers’ counterattacking style.
Under manager Ian Evatt, the former Derby County defender, they play a passing style which has brought them two wins, two draws and a defeat so far.
“They are a really big club and they did really well last year,” said Burton boss Hasselbaink.
“They have their way of playing, with good wide players and fullbacks really high, especially when they have the ball. They’re very organised.
“They’re a possession team who want to create and control the game with the ball, getting their wide players into pockets to try to get in behind you.”
Despite their recent financial troubles, now apparently resolved, which saw them tumble through the divisions, Bolton remain a “big name” in League One terms, as Burton boss Hasselbaink acknowkedges.
“I understand why there’s a perception about Bolton,” he said.
“They may say differently but it’s a big club with a big history.
“When I used to play in the Premier League, they were always in there. I know the stadium and the club well.”
The Brewers could welcome striker Kane Hemmings back tonight after he injured his hamstring in the pre-season friendly against Newcastle United.
Two of their four deadline day signings will be available.
Midfielders Harry Chapman, on loan from Blackburn Rovers, and Charlie Lakin, signed on a threeyear deal from Birmingham City, are likely to be included in the squad.
Centre-half Sam Hughes has been signed on loan in the knowledge that he has yet to complete rehabilitation after a cruciate ligament injury, while striker Daniel Jebbison is away on England Under-19 duty.
In Saturday’s League One action, Joel Mumbongo, on loan from Burnley, scored his first goal for Accrington in the 15th minute and it proved to be enough to beat Shrewsbury.
A strong fightback from AFC Wimbledon brought them a 3-1 home win over Oxford United.
Mark Sykes put the U’s ahead in first-half stoppage time but Jack Rudoni equalised after 55 minutes.
In a strong Dons finale, Will Nightingale headed them in front from Anthony Hartigan’s corner, then Rudoni made it 3-1 with a smart finish to end a counter-attack three minutes later.
New signing Kyle Joseph, on loan from Swansea City, fired Cheltenham Town ahead at home to Milton Keynes Dons but the visitors salvaged a 1-1 draw with Hiram Boateng’s 87th-minute equaliser.