Spearing ready for Tigers test

Tenacious midfielder Jay Spearing believes it was two points dropped more than one point gained against Derby County.

The Whites secured a 1-1 draw at Pride Park despite leading for large periods of the second half following an own goal from Richard Keogh in added time of the first half.

Spearing, who stereotypically put in a commanding display in the centre of the park for Bolton, told bwfc.co.uk the team needs to learn how to finish teams off.

“At the end of the day it was two points dropped on Tuesday night due to the position we were in at half time, I thought we were very comfortable,” said the 24-year-old.

“They didn’t cause us very many problems and we defended well as a team but a slight lapse in concentration allowed Derby to get back into the game. It is a point we have to take on our chin but we should have taken all three.

“First half it was a battle but we scored at the right time just before the interval and the second half was again a battle.

“Although we conceded late on we defended well as a back four but a lapse in concentration has cost us all three points. As a team we need to be able to finish teams off.”

Spearing played an integral part in the opening goal of the game against Nigel Clough’s side, delivering the free-kick which caused Keogh to put the ball beyond his own goalkeeper.

Concluding, the Liverpool loan star revealed he has been practicing set-pieces on a regular basis in training and hopes he can cause the Hull City defence problems this weekend.

“I have been practicing in training so I will be ready, we are always going to be dangerous from set pieces due to the height we have got in our squad and hopefully the hard work will start paying off.

“It is the first time I have been responsible for taking free-kicks, the manager has shown confidence in me and I am happy to take on the role.

“Hull City are flying at the moment, they are playing very well but they are coming to the Reebok and we will play to our best like always.”

Tickets are now on sale for the game against Hull City, the first of a double header at the Reebok Stadium, with Peterborough visiting on Tuesday 26th February. To be directed to our ticket page please click here

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