County fell to an opening day defeat against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, losing 4-1 at Carrington.
County started the stronger side and could have taken the lead early on. Ashton Mee released Luke Partington down the right wing, with the right-back finding Dallas Omoruyi, but his first-time shot was smothered by the goalkeeper.
A clever flick by Che Gardner found Mee, with the pair playing a one-two, before Gardner expertly played Omoruyi, but his shot was high and wide.
Bolton’s first foray forward nearly resulted in a goal. The winger beat Joe Hillary on the right wing and fired in a low cross, but the first-time effort from close range was harmlessly over the bar.
The visitors dealt the first blow through a low, driven effort from the edge of the area. A quick break down the left wing caught out the County backline, and a square pass just outside the box set up the Bolton midfielder for the opener.
On the cusp of the break, Bolton doubled their lead. An unfortunate slip from Jack Kenny saw the opposition forward race through on goal, and fire a low effort into the far corner.
HALF TIME: County 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton added a third after the interval. A brief loss of concentration by Kingston Fligg saw the visitors break down the right, fire a cross across the six yard box, and the ball was tapped home.
A mix up at the back then saw Bolton grab their fourth. A loose pass saw the visitors run through on goal, take the ball around Kane Bove and slot into an empty net.
County found a consolation through Freddie Redshaw. Partington and Gardner linked up on the right and drove into the box. Gardner showed a great bit of skill to open up space for Redshaw to strike into the bottom corner.
FULL-TIME: County 1-4 Bolton Wanderers
County XI: Bove; Kenny, McMahon, Watson; Partington, Fligg, Johnson, Mee, Hillary; Omoruyi, Gardner.
Photographer: Mike Petch
