Conor Bradley goal keeps Bolton’s play-off bid on track

Bolton picked up three big points in the race for a League One play-off place, but they were given a real scare by spirited Exeter at St James Park.

Conor Bradley scored the only goal of an entertaining game, but Exeter will rue their lack of cutting edge as they created enough to have taken something from the game.

The only goal came with Bolton’s first chance of the game on 27 minutes, as Josh Sheehan played in Bradley with a simple pass and he slipped the ball under Jamal Blackman and into the net from 18 yards.

Exeter thought they had equalised on 36 minutes, but former Bolton man Will Aimson was adjudged to have handled the ball before it crossed the line and Sam Nombe then headed against the crossbar.

Exeter continued to dominate after the break, but for all their excellent play, they failed to really test James Trafford in the Bolton goal while, at the other end, former Exeter man Randell Williams saw his goalbound shot blocked by Harry Kite.

Pierce Sweeney’s low cross fizzed narrowly past the upright, while Bolton’s George Thomason dragged a shot wide at the other end.

But the Trotters defended stoutly to keep Exeter at bay and take the points.