Season in review: August

A look back at the month of August as Wanderers began their 2014/15 Championship and Capital One Cup campaigns

SUMMARY
After a final pre-season friendly, and the first game at the recently-renamed Macron Stadium, against Dutch top flight outfit Vitesse the 2014/15 campaign officially kicked off away at Watford.

The game saw a full debut for Dean Moxey following his summer arrival on a free transfer from Crystal Palace, whilst the returning loan pair of Neil Danns and Kevin McNaughton also started.

In the end it was to be a disappointing afternoon at Vicarage Road, with the league’s eventual runners-up triumphing 3-0.

Three days later however Bolton registered their first victory of the season, coming from behind to see off a gutsy Bury side after extra time in the first round of the Capital One Cup.

Extra time would also be needed to see off Crewe later in the month, with a Jermaine Beckford double booking Bolton’s place in the next round and with it a tie away at Chelsea.

A debut goal for another returning loanee, Joe Mason, still wasn’t enough to secure victory against Nottingham Forest, who twice came from behind to draw before the month ended with defeats against Middlesbrough, Brighton and Leeds United.

RESULTS
L 0-1 V Vitesse (H)
L 3-0 v Watford (A)
W 3-2 (AET) v Bury (H)
D 2-2 v Nottingham Forest (H)
L 1-2 v Middlesbrough (H)
L 2-1 v Brighton (A)
W 2-3 (AET) v Crewe (A)
L 1-0 v Leeds (A)

THEY SAID
“We found it hard inside the opening 15 or 20 minutes and struggled to cope with the pace of the game, but we showed energy and desire to get back into the game.”

Dougie Freedman following Bolton’s extra time Capital One Cup victory at Crewe.

SCORERS
Neil Danns 2
Craig Davies 2
Jermaine Beckford 2
Joe Mason
David Wheater
Matt Mills
Darren Pratley

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Craig Davies’ whole-hearted performances up top saw him land up top in the club’s first Player of the Month poll. 

The striker claimed 30 percent of the vote after netting two goals, both from the penalty spot against Bury and Middlesbrough respectively, in six appearances.

SEE ALSO…
Season in photos: August 2014
Community review: August 2014

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