WANDERERS (3-5-2).

LUKE SOUTHWOOD…6.

Once again, used his feet more than his hands, having more touches of the ball than Josh Sheehan on the night. Only the one routine save to make.

GETHIN JONES…6.

Had a wobbly start on the ball but recovered soon enough and had another solid night at the back, restricting Hoskins to practically nothing.

WILL FORRESTER…7.

Another very impressive night for the young centre-back, who is really enjoying the paired back approach under Julian Darby.

GEORGE JOHNSTON…7.5.

His block late in the second half at 2-1 summed up the week for Wanderers. Not showy but as brave as you like.

JORDI OSEI-TUTU…6.5.

Provided some good penetration down the right side and created a couple of chances with his trickery. Maybe should have seen Pinnock out on the Cobblers’ goal, though.

AARON MORLEY…7.

Involved in near enough everything that Bolton did in the visitors’ half and worked hard out of possession as well.

JOSH SHEEHAN…6.

Back in the side and ticking along nicely – but the Welshman didn’t see quite as much of the ball as he normally would on a scrappy night.

GEORGE THOMASON…7.

Opened the scoring with a lovely finish and very nearly volleyed a stunning second. Dare we say a Kevin Nolan-esque display?

SZABI SCHON...6.

Neat and tidy when he did have the ball but not involved quite as much as he was at the weekend. Rested on the hour for Murphy.

AARON COLLINS…7.

Had a few sniffs of goal before the big moment in the second half and as soon as he diverted in field you knew the ball was going to hit the back of the net.

VIC ADEBOYEJO…6.5.

Darby picked him out for praise – not a night where he could win much in the air but Northampton’s defenders were sick of the sight of him.

Subs: Randall 6.5, 61 (for Adeboyejo) – Sumptuous ball for Collins’ goal.

Murphy 6.5, 61 (for Schon) – Lung-bursting run for the third to take the defender away.

Dacres-Cogley 80 (for Osei-Tutu) – Steady Eddie, as ever.

Not used: Baxter, Lolos, Arfield, McAtee.

Northampton Town (3-5-2): Tzanev; McGowan, Dyche, Eyoma; Odimayo, Shaw, Hondermarck, Taylor, Pinnock, Hoskins, McGeehan.

Subs: Wilson 62 (for Hondermarck), Eaves 62 (for McGeehan), Fosu 70 (for Odimayo), Baldwin 70 (for McGowan).

Not used: Burge, Magloire, Willis.

Referee: Sunny Singh Gill 6/10 - Turned down one big penalty appeal for Wanderers which definitely looked as though it had legs but no major complaints after that. Three yellow cards all night and a relatively unfussy performance.

MAN OF THE MATCH – George Johnson.

Once Wanderers had steadied themselves after the goal, the defending returned to the standards they had shown at Huddersfield. And Johnston was right in the middle of it, leading by example. Committed to the cause and the type of winner Bolton need right now.

MOAN OF THE MATCH – It did evolve into a bit of a slug-fest and Bolton didn’t show the quality they needed on the ball for a good half hour of the second half.

MAGIC MOMENT – The pitch surrounded by Julian Darby’s Under-18s players acting as ball boys. Talk about the circle of life.

ATMOSPHERE – Fans seemed determined to stay upbeat, even in the scrappier moments of the game. By the end they were able to give Julian Darby the send off he deserved as interim boss… Or at least that was the plan!