Debutant Blackett-Taylor Wins It for Promotion-Chasing Bolton

Key Points

• Corey Blackett-Taylor scored the winning goal on his debut for Bolton Wanderers, securing a 1-0 victory against AFC Wimbledon at Cherry Red Records Stadium.
• Bolton took the lead in the 13th minute through John McAtee’s precise pass to Blackett-Taylor, who fired into the bottom right corner.
• Blackett-Taylor joined Bolton on loan from Derby County earlier in the week.
• AFC Wimbledon’s Jake Reeves blasted a long-range shot over the crossbar while hunting for an equaliser.
• John McAtee missed a chance to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute, shooting straight at goalkeeper Nathan Bishop after a loose pass.
• Alistair Smith headed just wide early in the second half for the Dons.
• Steve Seddon put a flick-on behind for a goal kick in a strong Dons spell.
• A chaotic stoppage-time corner led to a melee in Bolton’s penalty area, but they held firm.
• AFC Wimbledon remain without a home league win since September.
• Bolton Wanderers, promotion chasers in League One, strengthen their position with the three points.

Bolton Wanderers (Manchester Mirror) January 31, 2026. Corey Blackett-Taylor marked his debut with a clinical finish as promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers edged out League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon 1-0 in a hard-fought contest. The visitors withstood late pressure to claim a vital victory on the road.

Who Scored the Debut Winner for Bolton?

Corey Blackett-Taylor, who only joined the Trotters on loan from Derby County earlier this week, made an immediate impact. As detailed in match reports, Bolton took the lead in the 13th minute when John McAtee broke down the right before picking out Blackett-Taylor with a peach of a pass. Blackett-Taylor made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom right corner to put his side ahead.​

John McAtee was instrumental in the build-up, showcasing his pace and vision on the flank. This early strike set the tone for Bolton’s defensive resilience throughout the match.

How Did Bolton Take the Lead in the 13th Minute?

The opening goal came from a swift counter-attack. John McAtee received the ball on the right wing, drove forward, and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Blackett-Taylor lurking in the box. Blackett-Taylor controlled it neatly before unleashing a low drive into the bottom right corner, past AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

This moment of quality separated the sides early on. Bolton’s promotion push gained momentum as they capitalised on their first clear chance.

What Chances Did AFC Wimbledon Create?

Jake Reeves went close for the Dons as they hunted for an equaliser. Reeves blasted a long-range shot over the crossbar, typifying Wimbledon’s frustrations in front of goal. Later, in the 33rd minute, McAtee could have made it 2-0 when he pounced on a loose pass and went through on goal, but his effort was straight at Nathan Bishop.

Alistair Smith nearly levelled early in the second half with a close-range header that flew just wide of the right post. Steve Seddon got on the end of a flick-on but put the ball behind for a goal kick.

Why Did Bolton Hold On Despite Late Pressure?

A stoppage-time corner sparked a chaotic melee in the Bolton penalty area. AFC Wimbledon pressed hard, with bodies flying in, but the visitors survived the storm. This resilience ensured Blackett-Taylor’s goal proved decisive.

Bolton keeper and defence stood firm, repelling the Dons’ desperate attempts. The three points moved the Trotters up the League One table in their promotion bid.

What Does This Result Mean for AFC Wimbledon?

AFC Wimbledon left without a win at home in the league since September. The strugglers showed fight, particularly after the break, but lacked the cutting edge. Alistair Smith’s header and the late corner frenzy highlighted their threat, yet they couldn’t break down Bolton.

This defeat piles pressure on the Dons, rooted near the relegation zone. Their home form remains a major concern for fans and management.

How Has Corey Blackett-Taylor Settled at Bolton?

Blackett-Taylor’s loan from Derby has started perfectly. Firing home on debut demonstrates his composure under pressure. As reported across fan sites, his pace and finishing could be key for Bolton’s promotion charge.

Manager Phil Parkinson praised the forward post-match, noting his quick adaptation. Blackett-Taylor’s arrival bolsters an attack already featuring talents like John McAtee.

What Role Did John McAtee Play in the Match?

John McAtee was Bolton’s standout creator. His assist for the opener was a highlight, breaking down the right with purpose. He nearly doubled the lead himself, only denied by Nathan Bishop’s save.

McAtee’s energy troubled Wimbledon throughout. His involvement underscores Bolton’s threat on the counter.

Who Were the Key Performers for AFC Wimbledon?

Jake Reeves showed ambition with his long-range effort. Alistair Smith posed aerial danger, heading wide from close range. Steve Seddon contributed in attack but couldn’t convert.

Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop made a crucial stop from McAtee. Despite the loss, the Dons competed valiantly.

When Did AFC Wimbledon Last Win at Home?

The Dons have now gone months without a home league victory, dating back to September. This barren run exposes defensive frailties and finishing woes. Bolton exploited these gaps ruthlessly.

Fans at Cherry Red Records Stadium saw familiar struggles. Breaking this drought is now urgent for survival hopes.

Why Are Bolton Wanderers Chasing Promotion?

Bolton enter 2026 as strong League One contenders. Wins like this keep them in the automatic promotion spots. Blackett-Taylor’s debut boosts squad depth amid a tight race.

The Trotters’ style – solid defence, quick breaks – suits the grind of the third tier. Consistency will define their season.

What Happened in the Second Half?

AFC Wimbledon made a strong start post-interval. Alistair Smith’s header skimmed the post, ramping up pressure. Steve Seddon’s flick-on led to a goal kick, maintaining Bolton’s lead.

The game opened up, but Bolton absorbed waves of attacks. The stoppage-time corner melee tested nerves, yet they prevailed.

How Does This Fit Bolton’s Season So Far?

This road win exemplifies Bolton’s grit. Promotion chasers thrive on such results against strugglers. Blackett-Taylor’s impact hints at more firepower ahead.

John Evatt’s sacking earlier in the season shifted dynamics, but under current management, form has surged. The Trotters eye Championship return.​

In the closing stages, Wimbledon threw bodies forward, but Bolton’s organisation shone. The final whistle confirmed a professional away performance.

AFC Wimbledon’s winless home streak persists, a stark statistic in their fight against relegation. Bolton, meanwhile, build momentum.

Corey Blackett-Taylor’s debut heroics will live long in Trotters lore. His goal, sourced from precise McAtee service, turned the tide.

Nathan Bishop’s save kept hopes alive briefly, but it wasn’t enough. Reeves’ rocket over the bar summed up the Dons’ night.

Alistair Smith and Seddon pushed hard, yet precision evaded them. Bolton depart south London with spoils.

This League One encounter delivered tension aplenty. Blackett-Taylor’s finish remains the defining image.