Barbadian winger steals the show in Bolton pre-season clash

Barbados international Thierry Gale stole the spotlight as Bolton Wanderers cruised to a 5-2 victory over Shrewsbury Town in their pre-season encounter on Tuesday afternoon.

The 21-year-old winger, still building full match sharpness, was handed a start on the left flank and delivered a stunning performance.

Gale opened the scoring in style, cutting inside from the wing and unleashing a thunderous right-footed strike from 20 yards that gave goalkeeper Toby Savin no chance.

Full of pace, confidence, and creativity, Gale tormented Shrewsbury full-back Jack Loughran throughout the first half, combining with teammates and consistently threatening down the left. His low cross later forced an own goal, Bolton’s fourth of the match, as substitute goalkeeper Elyh Harrison failed to deal with the delivery and watched it bounce into his own net.

Before his substitution in the second half, Gale also came close to a second goal with another powerful effort that drew a strong save.

Bolton led 3-0 at half-time through goals from Gale, Daeshon Lawrence and Josh Dacres-Cogley.

The second half saw an own goal and a brilliant solo effort from Max Conway seal the win, while Shrewsbury grabbed consolation goals through Callum Stewart and Will Gray.

While much of the attention may focus on the collective performance of Steven Schumacher’s side, it was Gale’s individual brilliance that lit up the evening.

If he continues in this vein, Bolton fans may have a new favourite for the 2024/25 season. (RW)