Bolton Wanderers got their Championship campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 home victory over Lancashire rivals Preston North End on the opening weekend of the season. Gale and Dalby got on the scoresheet for the hosts, but Preston pulled one back late on to set nerves jangling. We asked supporters from both sides for their verdicts, and the responses were candid.

Bolton fans: pleased but not quite satisfied

The mood among Bolton supporters was largely positive, though not without reservations. Several pointed to the performance of Gale, who drew widespread praise from the home end, while McAtee was flagged by at least one supporter as an unsung contributor who deserved more recognition.

"Superb collective performance and it could have been more," wrote one Bolton fan, summing up the general tone. "All of the new squad members fitted in well and will undoubtedly add more as they adjust. Great start to the new season."

Another was more measured: "Excellent start in this league against a so-called decent side. Need another striker though." That word "though" does a lot of work. Bolton clearly have ambitions for this season, and with a new-look squad still bedding in, the transfer window remains on supporters' minds.

The dominant theme among Bolton fans was the final quarter of an hour. Manager's decision to ring the changes late on drew criticism from multiple supporters, who felt the substitutions disrupted the team's shape and allowed Preston back into the game. "Dominated the game for 86 minutes, then subs upset the balance and cohesion," was how one supporter put it. The fact that several fans raised this independently suggests it will be a talking point in the coming days.

There was also a reference to Bolton's earlier pre-season fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, which had apparently left some supporters anxious. The derby win, then, served as something of a reassurance, even if the nervy finish kept a lid on any outright jubilation.

Preston fans: frustration from the off

If Bolton supporters were cautiously encouraged, those backing Preston North End were decidedly unhappy. The language in their messages ranged from disappointed to openly scathing, and several directed their frustration at manager Paul Heckingbottom by name.

"Every aspect poor," wrote one Preston fan, sparing no one. Others pointed to the defensive unit as a particular area of concern: "We've spent a lot of money by our standards, but after watching the game it's the defence which is in need of strengthening." Whether that assessment is fair after a single match is debatable, but the tone reflects a wider anxiety about Preston's readiness for the campaign.

New signing Devine received credit from at least one supporter, described as "a quality signing", though the same fan noted a lack of pace elsewhere to complement him. Leroy also got a mention as one of the brighter sparks.

The most pointed criticism came from fans who felt the team lacked intensity in the opening half-hour, with one pointing to three missed chances before Bolton established control. "Not up for it during the first 30 minutes. Can't miss three easy chances!" Another called the showing "pathetic" and questioned Heckingbottom's tactical approach directly, calling for change.

That kind of reaction after a first-day derby defeat is not unusual, and Preston supporters will know as well as anyone that a season is 46 games long. But the consistency of the criticism, and the specific targets it identified, suggests the manager starts the season with questions already forming around him.

The bigger picture

For Bolton, this is a confidence-building result in what is shaping up to be a competitive season in the second tier. A home win against a near neighbour with familiar stakes sets a useful early tone. For Preston, it is one game, but the nature of the performance means the pressure to strengthen and improve will arrive early. Both clubs' supporters are, it turns out, harder to satisfy than a single result might suggest, which is probably as it should be.

Frequently asked

What was the result of Bolton vs Preston in the Championship?
Bolton Wanderers beat Preston North End 2-1 in the Championship on the opening weekend of the season. Gale and Dalby scored for Bolton, with Preston pulling one back late on.
How did Bolton fans react to the win over Preston?
Bolton supporters were largely positive, praising Gale and McAtee in particular, though several were critical of the late substitutions which they felt disrupted Bolton's shape and nearly cost them a clean victory.
What did Preston fans say after the 2-1 defeat at Bolton?
Preston fans were broadly frustrated. Common concerns included a lethargic first half, missed chances, defensive weaknesses, and the timing of substitutions. Some supporters were openly critical of manager Paul Heckingbottom.