Bolton Wanderers fought off a spirited Barrow side to book their place in the last 16 of the Papa Johns Trophy with a 3-2 victory.
The Whites took the lead when Dapo Afolayan slotted home from a lovely ball from MJ Williams. They doubled their advantage soon after that when Kieran Sadlier put in a low cross for Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to tuck home.
But the visitors were handed a way back into the game when Joel Dixon could not hold onto Ben Whitfield's shot and Josh Kay eventually turned home. It gave the visitors a route back into the encounter.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Barrow LIVE: Ian Evatt's reaction after Papa Johns Trophy victory
After the break, the visitors levelled as Niall Canavan nodded home from close range after Josh Gordon flicked on from a corner. However, the Whites went back ahead as Elias Kachunga slotted home after Afolayan's shot came off the post.
Despite late pressure from the Bluebirds, Wanderers hung on to book their place in the last 16, albeit after an evening which they made harder work of than they needed to.
Here's how we rated the Wanderers players in the clash.
Joel Dixon - 5
Spilled shot from Ben Whitfield which led to Barrow halving the deficit before half-time. Could not stop Niall Canavan's close range header for second Barrow goal.
Eoin Toal - 7
Grew into the game as it went on and showed elements of what he can offer going forwards too. Possibly the best of his three Bolton appearances so far.
Ricardo Santos - 7.5
One of only two players who started the weekend win over Fleetwood. Solid and dependable in the heart of defence.
Jack Iredale - 6.5
Not afraid to get forward to support attacks with some decent deliveries at times. Set piece delivery was up and down.
Kieran Sadlier - 7
New dad lined up at right wing-back and put in dangerous low crosses from that position. Notched first half assist for Bodvarsson's strike before the break. Went to left flank after the break.
Josh Sheehan - 6.5
Bright on the ball in the middle of the park in the first half. Like Bolton, lost a bit of influence after the break and was replaced.
MJ Williams - 7.5
Magnificent lofted pass to notch assist for Afolayan's opener. Generally solid in possession throughout the encounter.
Declan John - 6
Got down the left flank well to put crosses into the box in the first half. Lacked the same impact after the break and was taken off.
Kyle Dempsey - 5
Started in number 10 role and looked bright early on but taken off after 20 minutes following injury scare, presumably as a precaution.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson - 7
Decent hold-up play from Iceland international and tapped home at back post Bolton's second goal. Taken off along with Charles after the hour mark.
Dion Charles - 5.5
Striker kept place in the team, alongside Santos. Saw first half effort saved from Paul Farman and worked hard upfront, but few other chances to speak of.
Substitutes:
Dapo Afolayan - 8
Instant impact from the bench to put Wanderers ahead with close range finish. Most consistent threat throughout for the hosts and created third goal with shot which came off the post for Kachunga to bury.
Elias Kachunga - 7.5
In the right place to put Wanderers back ahead after Barrow stunned the hosts and followed ball in to finish. Nodded home second but it was chalked off for offside. Good hold-up play too.
Amadou Bakayoko - 5.5
Added some energy off the bench.
Kieran Lee - 5
Did not make a huge impact on encounter as game got more stretched.
Conor Bradley - 5
The odd nice touch from the Liverpool youngster off the bench.
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