Ian Evatt will be licking his lips following Bolton Wanderers’ latest pre-season friendly after his new additions shone against Premier League opposition Everton in a 0-0 draw.
Wanderers have seen seven new faces walk through the doors at the Toughsheet Community Stadium this summer, but two signings in particular caught the eye yesterday evening.
Nathan Baxter and Josh Dacres-Cogley, signed from Chelsea and Tranmere Rovers as free agents respectively, both put in solid shifts against a strong Toffees lineup.
Supporters were quick to praise the pair online following their display, with boss Evatt bound to be delighted by his summer pick-ups.
24-year-old Baxter played the entirety of the fixture and made several good saves to deny the visitors an opener.
The goalkeeper was first called into action in the early stages following a ruthless Everton counter-attack. Lewis Dobbin did well to slip Alexander Iwobi through on goal, but the ex-Chelsea man stood tall to deny the Nigeria international.
Dwight McNeil then unleashed a swerving effort moments later which Baxter got enough behind to keep out.
McNeil and Dobbin then looked to combine as the former sent an inviting low cross towards the latter who was waiting at the far post, but Baxter again put a stop to it by producing a strong hand to intercept and push away the attempted assist.
After saving another effort from Dobbin, the new goalie then denied youngster Francis Okoronkwo to wrap up an impressive individual display on home soil.
Dacres-Cogley also put in a fine performance.
The right-back played a key role in Bolton’s offensive output alongside proving his defensive abilities with a sturdy shift at the back.
Wanderers were unfortunate not to take the lead from a move started by the 27-year-old. Doing well to pounce on a loose ball, Dacres-Cogley was pivotal in the build up before Dion Charles’ effort struck a defender and Aaron Morley’s follow up attempt was saved well by Toffees shot stopper Joao Virginia.
Strong showing from Bolton newbies
It was a performance to be proud of by Evatt’s men in front of over 13,000 spectators.
The Bolton boss is sure to be thrilled with how quickly his new signings have integrated into the squad and emerged as dependable members of the team.
Next up for Wanderers is their final pre-season test against Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.