MAN OF THE MATCH: FOSTER.......................8
Was sharp from word go and made stunning saves, particularly when heat was on.
CARR..............................7
Performed with an urgency and determination from the off that helped set tempo.
PARNABY........................7
Again came in to do sound and intelligent job out of position, was strong when required.
RIDGEWELL....................7
Moved inside to centre-half, was efficient and also maintained concentration and focus.
JOHNSON........................8
Quite prodigious at the end when it needed leaders to step up.
LARSSON........................7
Busy and all-action and also showed poise and discipline when moved to right-back.
FERGUSON......................7
Cracked ribs must be debilitating but just got on with it and added a measure of calm control.
GARDNER.......................7
Resounding trademark finish for another important goal, full of energy.
BOWYER.........................7
Brought all his experience and resourcefulness to proceedings in that narrow role on left.
JEROME..........................7
Caused problems due to muscular running and desire to chase down.
PHILLIPS........................8
Highly proficient and intelligent in all aspects and once more produced the goods.
SUBSTITUTES:
Fahey (for Bowyer, 64): Urgent, foraging..........................................6
Bentley (for Carr, 70): Quiet........5
Zigic (for Jerome, 77).
Not used: Doyle, Beausejour, Mutch, Davies.
BOLTON (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Alonso, Cahill, Wheater, Cohen (Lee 64), Muamba (Taylor 79), Elmander, Davies, Sturridge, Petrov (Klasnic 73). Not used: Bogdan, Robinson, Moreno, Blake.
BOOKINGS: Wheater (foul, 18), Alonso (foul, 53) – Bolton.
CROWD WATCH.........................7
Got behind Blues from start and never let up. Attendance: 26,142.
REF WATCH................................7
M Oliver (Northumberland): Accomplished and correct.
GAME RATING...........................7
Vibrant, exciting moments.
THE MANAGER..........................7
Alex McLeish got the selection right and got players wired in.
INJURY WATCH
Stephen Carr came off with hamstring niggle.
WHO’S NEXT UP FOR BLUES?
Blackburn (a) Saturday, 3pm.
> > Click here to read Colin Tattum's big match verdict
