Take a look at all the stats and facts ahead of Town's trip to the University of Bolton Stadium.
Shrewsbury Town are back on their travels in the Sky Bet League One this weekend as they make the journey up North to face Bolton Wanders at the University of Bolton Stadium. Salop are looking to bounce back following Tuesdays disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Wycombe Wanderers. Bolton got back to winning ways on Tuesday after suffering two defeats in a row with a convincing 4-1 win away to Charlton Athletic. Ian Evatt’s men are enjoying life back in League One following their promotion from Sky Bet League Two last season.
The Trotters are currently seventh in the league with four wins and three draws in their opening ten games and are hopeful of back-to-back promotions, following a tough few years for the club which saw them go minutes from extinction back in 2019. Their impressive win on Tuesday against Charlton was just one of several impressive victories so far this season for Bolton. A 5-2 win away to Ipswich Town as well as a 3-2 home win over Port Vale are the most notable victories. Salop will be hoping to create a similar victory to the one the Trotters had over Ipswich when they travel to Portman Road on the October 9th.
The two teams last met back in October 2020 in the EFL Trophy. First half strikes from Ryan Barnett and Jason Cummings were enough to secure a 2-1 victory and Salop’s place in the next round of the competition until they were ultimately knocked out two rounds later against Lincoln City. This will be the 26th competitive meeting in all competitions between the two sides. The first meeting was way back in November 1971. Out of the previous 25 meeting, Shrewsbury Town have won eight, drew four and lost 13.
Name: Bolton Wanderers
Founded: 1874 (147 years ago as Christ Church F.C.)
Chairman: Sharon Brittan
Biggest Win: 13-0 vs Sheffield United, FA Cup Second Round 1890
Biggest Defeat: 9-1 vs Preston North End, FA Cup Second Round 1887
Highest League Finish: 6th, Barclays Premier League, 2004-05
One to Watch: Oladapo Afolayan
Oladapo Afolayan joined Bolton Wanderers initially on loan from West Ham United on deadline day back in January with the option to sign permanently in the summer. After making 21 appearances for the club scoring one goal, the club decided to make the move permanent and Afolayan signed a three-year deal. He’s started life in the Sky Bet League One brilliantly and the winger has netted five goals so far this season. He has become a fan favourite in his short time with the Trotters and has even been compared to Bolton legend Jay-Jay Okocha. He even did Okocha’s signature goal celebration in the 3-3 draw against AFC Wimbledon back in August.
Match Officials:
Referee: Marc Edwards
Linesmen: Simon Clayton, Bradley Hall
Fourth Official: Alan Clayton
