Bolton's Forest Green Reaction

James Bolton marked his first Sky Bet League One start in almost a year with his first goal as an Argyle player, scoring the opener in the Pilgrims’ 2-0 win over Forest Green Rovers at Home Park.

Bolton’s contributions this season have been largely as a substitute or in cup ties, but the central defender has always played with immense credit, and when given a berth in the starting 11 for the visit of Forest Green, he started Argyle’s ball rolling with a powerful headed goal from Jordan Houghton’s early corner.

Argyle controlled the game, and when they scored a second via Bali Mumba seconds after the restart for the second half, the game was essentially over as a contest.

For long parts of the game, Forest Green were in damage limitation mode, trying to stay in the game by defending and looking to break on Argyle, but no such opportunities were forthcoming.

“It was great to do it, get us 1-0 up and to do it in front of the home crowd is great,” Bolton told Argyle TV.

“I've done a bit more coming on and securing games this season. With the team doing so well, it's been hard to get game time. It’s great to get a start and help the team out in our push towards a promotion.

“[The goal] came at a really good time because we were very nervy for the first 10; we didn't start too great. I think the goal settled us down.

“It was a great ball from Jordy. We worked on it in training, luckily I just got my head to it and put it past the keeper. We practice set pieces, so it's great to put one in.  

“I think everyone knew what the game meant. Everybody seems to be winning and we've got to keep pushing on ourselves. It was nice to settle it down. We knew they were going to be tough to break down, and they were.

“They were 11 men behind the ball at all times. I know that the fans were a little bit frustrated at times, but we ask them to bear with us and keep us going because we need them. They are a massive part of what this club's about. They came out again, in big numbers, a sell-out: it's great.

“It was a frustrating game, but we’re happy to get three points.”