Sheehan return, Toal debut, Charles goals - Four ups & one down for Bolton from Crewe Alex win

Bolton Wanderers got their Papa Johns Trophy campaign up and running with three points in their opening group game against Crewe Alex.

In Group B of the Northern section of the draw, Wanderers took the lead early on through Amadou Bakayoko. However, the Railwaymen drew level not long after through Courtney Baker-Richardson.

Wanderers went ahead after the break thanks to Dion Charles, before Kieran Sadlier added a third with a classy finish. Charles added his second and Bolton's fourth before the end to ensure a 4-1 win.

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Here, we analyse the win from a Wanderers perspective and pick out the ups and downs from a Bolton point of view.

Ups

Josh Sheehan back in action

It has been a long journey back to first team football since becoming injured last November for Sheehan. The midfielder has been working his way back to fitness following a ruptured ACL.

Sheehan returned to running towards the end of last season and travelled with the club to its Portugal pre-season training camp. He has recently got minutes under his belt for the club's B team.

Last night Sheehan started for Wanderers against the Railwaymen and impressed in more than an hour on the pitch. The midfielder was bright in possession and added some penetration in the final third for the Whites.

Sheehan is almost like a new signing for Wanderers following his return to action. He will prove to be another valuable option in central midfield.

Eoin Toal solid on debut

Summer signing Toal has had to wait for his debut since his move from Derry City. He has had injury problems to overcome in that time.

Toal played in the heart of the back three last night against the Railwaymen. Aside