Season review: January

January proved to be a tough nut to crack for Wanderers with them enjoying mixed fortunes in Sky Bet League One as well as suffering a spirited exit from the Emirates FA Cup.

The Whites opened the calendar year with a 2-2 draw away at Coventry City as Max Clayton marked his return from injury with an injury-time equaliser, before fighting out a 0-0 draw with Premier League Crystal Palace in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Returning to league action with a 2-1 home defeat against Swindon Town despite David Wheater's venomous volley, a cup replay away at Crystal Palace was next up for Bolton as they were unlucky to exit the competition despite James Henry's stunning opener.

Seeing their league trip to Southend United postponed because of a frozen pitch, the Trotters finished the month with a 2-1 home defeat against Charlton Athletic as Zach Clough scored in what would prove to be his final appearance for the Club. 

Enjoying a lively end to the transfer window, the highlight of which saw fan favourite Adam Le Fondre return to Macron Stadium on loan, Wanderers also brought in fellow loanees Chris Long and Viv Solomon-Otabor.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Jay Spearing

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An ever-present throughout the month, the Whites stand-in skipper also provided an assist against Swindon Town as he did not miss a minute of Bolton's five matches throughout the month.
 
Impressing in the heart of midfield, the 28-year-old's performances see him win the award for the third time this season after coming out on top in both August and September.
 

MEMORABLE MATCH: Crystal Palace 2-1 Bolton 

Wanderers exited the Emirates FA Cup following a third round replay defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.
 
Following a goalless first period, the deadlock was broken three minutes into the second half as James Henry’s looped effort eluded Julian Speroni in the Palace goal.
 
The home side were level with 22 minutes remaining however, with substitute Christian Benteke nodding home while the striker doubled his and the Eagles’ tally in the 77th minute as he fired home from the edge of the box - a goal which proved decisive come full time.
 

JANUARY RESULTS:

Coventry City (A) D 2-2

Crystal Palace (H) D 0-0

Swindon Town (H) L 1-2

Crystal Palace (A) L 2-1

Charlton Athletic (H) L 1-2

JANUARY APPEARANCES:

Ben Alnwick 5

Jay Spearing 5

Andrew Taylor 5

Josh Vela 5

David Wheater 5

Mark Beevers 5

Gary Madine 5

Zach Clough 5

James Henry 5

Max Clayton 5

Jamie Proctor 5

Tom Thorpe 4

Lawrie Wilson 4

Chris Taylor 2

Sammy Ameobi 1

Derik Osede 1

Liam Trotter 1

Conor Wilkinson 1

JANUARY GOALSCORERS:

Zach Clough 2

Max Clayton 1

James Henry 1

David Wheater 1

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