MOTM v Barnsley: Jay Spearing

Bolton won their third in a row Saturday at Barnsley, and despite a near meltdown just after halftime, several of the competitors for Man of the Match were on the defensive side of the ball.

Highlights of Barnsley 2-3 Bolton Wanderers: Dawson saves the day

Barnsley 2-3 Bolton Wanderers: Trotters hold out for third win on the bounce

Halftime: Bolton two goals to the good thanks to David Ngog and Jay Spearing

Bolton Wanderers would face a tough test on their day trip to the Oakwell Stadium. Like Bolton, the Tykes have lost just one of their last six games, winning all five in a row before that. Following the injury to Mark Davies, Chris Eagles was reinstated in the starting XI and it looks like he has his confidence back.

It was largely end-to-end for the first 15 minutes with neither side getting a decent chance at goal. That all changed on the quarter hour mark as Chris Eagles found David Ngog well in the box. Ngog's first effort was blocked by Luke Steele, the Barnsley goalkeeper, but he took the second chance well and gave Bolton the lead.

The Trotters would double the advantage on 38 minutes, this time through Jay Spearing. Bolton would win a throw in a very advanced position and Sam Ricketts would take it. The long throw was half-cleared by Tomasz Cywka but it only went as far as Jay Spearing, who hit it first time. His effort took a slight deflection but it was enough to leave Steele stranded and the ball went into the bottom corner.

Barnsley had been good at winning corner kicks on the day, getting eight (to Bolton's four) in the first half, but failed to do anything with them.

Barnsley v Bolton Wanderers: Lineups and Live Match Thread

Each club has only lost one of their last six, and both are happy to be moving up the table. Barnsley are out of the bottom three at the moment, and Bolton are in the top 10 for the first time all season. One of these teams will come away with three points today, and continue their quest for redemption.

Match Preview: Barnsley F.C. v. Bolton Wanderers

Weighing the Mark Davies-less options for Bolton Wanderers