Brave Bolger sets battling example for Fleetwood

The defender battled illness to score the winner at Walsall as Rosler’s men bounced back from the 4-2 home defeat by Bolton to retain their grip on second spot in League One.

Rosler says Town will need that battling spirit in the final nine games, starting at home to Wimbledon on Saturday.

When asked about Bolger growing into a leadership role as he fills the shoes of injured skipper Nathan Pond, the head coach said: “That is what we want from him. There is far more to come.

“He was not really well on Saturday or at Walsall but he fought his way through. We didn’t have an alternative and I think that is what is needed in the final nine games to do the unbelievable.”

Pond is not the only Town player in the treatment room: Ash Eastham and Devante Cole picked up injuries in the physical battle with Bolton to join the sidelined Wes Burns, Jimmy Ryan and Martyn Woolford.

Rosler was pleased with how his players adapted against a strong Walsall side, with Godswill Ekpolo helping to keep a clean sheet on his first league start since November, midfielder Bobby Grant pushed up front and Cameron Branngan getting an assist on only his third league start.

Rosler said: “For me there were a lot of good performances.

“We were brave to go to a Walsall team winning six on the trot (at home) and really knocking on the door for the play-offs.

“It was a very tough game, especially when I saw who was not available.”

Development squad striker Alex Reid, who joined the club from non-league Rushall Olympic in January, was on the bench for the first time.

Rosler said: “That is what we have available. We hope we are getting our strikers back on track.”