A narrow but deserved advantage

Bolton dominated the opening half-hour and should have led earlier, with two efforts cleared off the line by NAC defenders. The Dutch visitors gradually settled into the contest and started to control possession, showing good composure in midfield and forcing Bolton’s back line to work hard out of possession.

The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute. A quick break down the right ended with a low cross into the box, and substitute winger Ellis Anderson swept the ball in with his first touch. It was the kind of energetic, direct attacking play that Bolton’s supporters have been hoping to see more of this pre-season.

NAC Breda threaten late

NAC Breda pushed for an equaliser in the final twenty minutes and came closest when a curling effort from outside the box struck the outside of the post. Bolton’s goalkeeper was forced into a sharp save in stoppage time, but the home side held on to claim their second win of the summer build-up.

For Bolton Wanderers, the result continues a promising pre-season under fresh tactical ideas, while NAC Breda will take positives from the performance despite the scoreline. Friendly or not, this was a valuable test against a continental opponent with a different pressing style.