Pirates, but not of the Carribean. Away to Bristol, Sat 7th Dec, 3-0 clock

[TANGODANCER]

Can the mighty Whites capitalise on the recent spurt of treasure hunting on the three hour plus trip to Bristol, not by sea in a galleon, but by luxury bus just past Welsh Wales. The Pirates (or Gas) are a few points adrift of us, but as ever we need to be the agressors and get the ball in net first and often. Our worrying trend of having to come from behind needs a cutlass or two jabbing up a few buttocks.

Our stubborn boss also needs to accept that a couple of swallows don't neccesarily make a summer as only four outfield players pleased the fans throughout the last game, and our goals against ten men were less than classic. Not to take away the fact we got three points, but Bristol isn't likely to be a treasure island and hand over more without a scrap. Stand by then to light The Gas and cook their goose.

[boltonboris]

Another game when we're playing a team on the back of a pasting. They'll have something to prove.

Not even going to make a prediction other than we'll concede

[TANGODANCER]

Not the worlds greatest believer in stats, but as we stand:

Three teams are currently on 30 points, Stockport, Reading and ourselves. Stockport have played a game more than the other two. Below us, Barnsley and Lincoln have also played one game more. Our next opponents , Bristol, are nine points adrift of us, so effectvely (and dependant on others) we look to be in with a fair shout of collaring a further three points, but it's all still a bit crowded.

Then again, if stats do have bearing, they indicate that our giving our opponents a goal start, cunning plan, looks time for a big mind change within the inner sanctum, and an acceptance that "Charity begins at home" (or away) is the truth, and mountain climbing is no longer the Road to El Dorado. Beating everybody is still priority one.

Get on it Mr Evatt please, like now...

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Three teams are currently on 30 points, Stockport, Reading and ourselves. Stockport have played a game more than the other two. Below us, Barnsley and Lincoln have also played one game more. Our next opponents , Bristol, are nine points adrift of us, so effectvely (and dependant on others) we look to be in with a fair shout of collaring a further three points, but it's all still a bit crowded.

Although eyes may stray upwards and downwards, I always see us as being "in a group with" teams within 3pts of us - ie what could change on the next matchday.

This week, that's:
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Some intriguing fixtures - Wycombe (1st) v Reading (6th) and Barnsley (8th) v Birmingham (3rd), but also Stockport (5th) v Exeter (11th, 24pts) and Mansfield (10th, 24pts) vs Huddersfield (4th).

So after Saturday, depending on results, we could be anywhere from 4th (and only 3pts behind 3rd-placed Birmingham, but also within 3pts of 7th place) to 8th (and only 3pts above 11th).

Nothing changes, then - keep winning.

[jmjhb]

Reading likely losing their manager to Hull.

[TANGODANCER]

It would be nice to see some White shirts thretening the opposition box from the off. We're decidedly slow starters and expecting our single striker saying hello to seven defenders from a rugby-style territorial clearance to do anything but lose out , is hopeful to say the least. Defence isn't often the best form of attack at this level. Get the troops putting some pressure on some time before the last thirty minutes might be a plan.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Team news:

• Sheehan has/had a hamstring niggle, scanned, awaiting results
• Tomo back from the naughty step
• Subs vs Mansfield were always planned to 'impact the game'
• Osei-Tutu will only start when the medics OK it

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/2 ... vers-trip/

Josh Sheehan had a slight hamstring niggle going into the game on Tuesday but felt he could get through the game. There was clearly some hindrance so he has been scanned. It hasn’t got worse and we are hopefully that it is nothing muscular, it might be referred pain from his back or something else. We will see what the scan says and then make a call on what he does this weekend.

[Tomo being back]
That's obviously a huge help. George is a huge player for us and maybe the suspension came at a good time because he had played two games in quick succession after being out for a long time. It has enabled him to refresh, regroup and get another week’s training under his belt. He is looking forward and ready to go.

[Should Tuesday's subs start?]
We wanted to impact the game around the 60-minute mark and we managed to do that. With Jordi [Osei Tutu], in particular, we need to be cautious. He is going to be a huge player for us and we don’t want to go to the well too soon, so to speak. We want to build up tolerance and confidence in his body and make sure that he is robust enough to be able to withstand starting games. We will make a call with what we do with him, and obviously the others did really well so we will say this weekend.

[Osei-Tutu & the medics]
It's just open dialogue really – I have to trust the medical team because that is their area of expertise, it is certainly not mine. We will have a discussion with them and see what their thoughts are. Jordi showed on Tuesday what he is going to bring to the table and that is great because we have clearly missed that. Now we have him back, the last thing we can do is break him too soon so we have to play the long game with him a little bit.

[Harry Genshaw]

Historically, this is one of the fixtures we tend to do quite well in. Even Dan and young Shola scored there for us. Odd, given our record against their near neighbours, which is shocking.

We'll concede for sure but I fancy us to keep the run against them going. 2-1 win.

[knobpolisher]

Not sure , with the weather forecast this game will go ahead.
If it does it will be a bit of a lottery.

[jmjhb]

Not sure , with the weather forecast this game will go ahead.
If it does it will be a bit of a lottery.

Red wind warning for the south west; will be a little surprised if it goes ahead.

[boltonboris]

Never heard of a game being cancelled for high winds, unless it poses a safety threat to attendees and there are issues with local emergency services..

I've seen enough FA cup games where a goalkick goes back where its come from for a corner!

[TANGODANCER]

Tommo back from suspension is truly great; I'd rather have a player with his attitude despite a few rough edges, than one(any) lauded as great who doesn't always feel inclined to bust a gut as part of it all. We also need Dempsey in as soon as possible because he's our game changer and a genuine good player.

Up front I feel sorry for Dion who is a centre forward, goal poacher playing a role not best suited for him. He needs support as he is another player who gives 100%. Same might be said for Dan, Collins and McAtee, they're coming in from too far away to be effective with I'E's insistence on possession without end product being of any use at all unless we are in front

But then again, you know all that anyway. The sun also rises, well, most days.

[boltonboris]

Never heard of a game being cancelled for high winds, unless it poses a safety threat to attendees and there are issues with local emergency services..

I've seen enough FA cup games where a goalkick goes back where its come from for a corner!

Just read the comments above re: Red Warning... That means Danger to Life, so yeah it'd be foolish to send a thousand people 200miles down there and play a game of football

[jmjhb]

Never heard of a game being cancelled for high winds, unless it poses a safety threat to attendees and there are issues with local emergency services..

I've seen enough FA cup games where a goalkick goes back where its come from for a corner!

Just read the comments above re: Red Warning... That means Danger to Life, so yeah it'd be foolish to send a thousand people 200miles down there and play a game of football

Last time I think it was for Eunice a couple of years back. I remember seeing a few games cancelled.

They should really make the decision early on this one.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

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The red warning (winds above 80mph) is in place 0300-1100 tomorrow. It's almost all Welsh coast but does include Bristol. Shouldn't really affect BWFC fans travelling down - unless they get to Bristol ludicrously early. (Or live in Pembrokeshire...)

There's also a wider (and longer) amber warning - winds gusting up to 70-80mph - pretty much all day. Again, though, that wouldn't affect the journey from Bolton-Bristol apart from the last bit.

Of course, a gust under 70mph can still cause quite a lot of damage. And their ground's got so many half-arsed structures, it's not hard to imagine some or other roof bit flying off. If it's bad enough to call the game off, at least it might be early enough to sound the trumpets.

Take care, fellow fans.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Bloomin wusses We get 70-80mph winds practically weekly in winter up here. Strap yer shit down and get on wi it

Whilst the above is true, take care folks. I've see static caravans change fields in in that sort of weather before

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I've see static caravans change fields in in that sort of weather before

...somewhat transcending their name.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

I've see static caravans change fields in in that sort of weather before

...somewhat transcending their name.

[sonicthewhite]

I've see static caravans change fields in in that sort of weather before

...somewhat transcending their name.

More like anti-static caravans?

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Just read the comments above re: Red Warning... That means Danger to Life, so yeah it'd be foolish to send a thousand people 200miles down there and play a game of football

Plymouth, Cardiff and Newport games called off