Wrexham had to battle hard but they secured a 2-1 victory over strugglers Sutton United and Luke Bolton was one player who stood out.
After losing three consecutive matches in League Two, Phil Parkinson was put under extra pressure to win at Sutton United.
The Reds did manage to secure victory but after Will Boyle’s opener was cancelled out by Charlie Lakin, Elliot Lee had to step up and score the winner five minutes from time.
Wrexham have struggled on their travels this term having lost four of their last six on the road before this result, so it was hugely important for them to pick up three points, and they did.
Parkinson was praised for his inspired substitutes of Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin, who ultimately changed the game late on, but the decision to start new signing Luke Bolton has gone under the radar.
The 24-year-old was brought in from League Two rivals Salford City on deadline day and having watched him dominate down the right flank, co-owner Gary Neville will be regretting that decision already.
Gary Neville will be kicking himself
On his first start for the club, he provided the inch-perfect assist for Lee’s winner and was a constant threat at right wing-back.
Bolton’s attacking strength, making two key passes and two accurate long balls, was complemented by some incredible defensive work as he made four tackles, won six ground duels and three aerial duels.
As far as full debuts go, it couldn’t have gone much better for the Manchester City academy graduate, who has already shown his former employers what they are missing.
Of course, after supplying five assists for Salford this term before joining Wrexham, Neville would have been aware of his attacking talent but Bolton couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join Parkinson’s project.
Ultimately, it’s Salford’s loss and Wrexham’s gain in this instance as they have a player who can easily play at League One level.
Luke Bolton adds a new dimension to Wrexham
Supporters got a real taste of what Bolton provides to this Wrexham side against Sutton.
He offers a real injection of pace down the right flank that can be useful against a lot of sides in the division.
When teams are looking to frustrate the Reds by playing a low block and keeping their defensive line compact, the runs Bolton makes down the right open up space in wide areas.
And after grabbing an assist on his full debut, he’s shown that he possesses the quality to take advantage.
It was harsh on Ryan Barnett to lose his place in the starting XI, especially after performing well against Bradford City, but it was only a matter of time before their deadline day signing made that spot his own, and now Barnett will struggle to wrestle it back off him.