Defence on top but goals lacking - Two ups & two downs from Bolton Wanderers' draw to Barnsley

Bolton Wanderers picked up a point at home with a goalless draw versus Barnsley.

The Whites were back at home yesterday and seeking to return to winning ways against the Tykes, following back to back losses against Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers. He made three changes to his team, including restoring Dapo Afolayan to the starting XI.

But despite opportunities for the likes of Afolayan, Dion Charles and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Wanderers were unable to break the deadlock against a Barnsley side which rarely threatened. The Whites remain just outside the play-offs and level on points with the Tykes after the spoils were shared.

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Here, we analyse the game from a Wanderers perspective and look at the ups and downs from the encounter.

Ups

Clean sheet and best defensive record in division continues

Wanderers boasted the best defensive record in League One prior to the encounter. The eight goals conceded in the division was the best.

The Whites recorded another clean sheet in the draw, their seventh this season, and they never looked likely not to do so. The Tykes created very little which caused James Trafford any concern.

The Yorkshire side were in the Championship last season and Wanderers contained what attacks they did mount very well indeed. Wanderers have developed a solid bedrock this season which could be a clear foundation for success.

Three losses on bounce avoided and league position

Wanderers had gone into the game on the back of two away losses and would have been seeking to avoid three on the spin. They managed to do so as they took advantage of their formidable home form.

They looked the more likely side