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Neil Lennon feels his side’s lack of composure in the final third against Birmingham proved costly.
Bolton suffered their first home defeat of the season after being edged out by Gary Rowett’s side at Macron Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Ex-Bolton defender Paul Robinson converted a set piece midway through the opening half to seal victory for the visitors.
“We feel we should have got something out of the game,” Lennon said in his post-match press conference. “We created a couple of great chances but we weren’t able to put them away.
“Ultimately, our lack of composure, particularly in the final third, has cost us and we’ve lost the game.
“We conceded a goal from a set piece and that is really poor from us give the height we had in the team tonight.
“We’re lacking a bit of conviction and confidence right now. The frustrating thing is that we’re creating decent chances, it’s just that we’re not taking them right now. We also know that our final ball can be better at times.
“There wasn’t really much between the two sides. Birmingham are a well organised side, but they didn’t cause us too many problems tonight, so it’s really frustrating.
“We decided to go with two big men because Birmingham tend to let teams have the ball and look to play on the counter. We want to go a bit more direct and get the ball in and around the area. It worked at times, but our passing has to be better.
“We’re all hurting right now. It’s a tough time, but we’ve got to battle on believe that we will get through it.
“Things can change so quickly, but we can’t keep saying that. That was as poorly as we’ve played at home.
“We have a big game against Leeds this weekend now. We’ll look back at all the things we can do better, particularly in the final third, and try get back on track.”
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Bolton suffered their first home defeat of the season after being edged out by Gary Rowett’s side at Macron Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Ex-Bolton defender Paul Robinson converted a set piece midway through the opening half to seal victory for the visitors.
“We feel we should have got something out of the game,” Lennon said in his post-match press conference. “We created a couple of great chances but we weren’t able to put them away.
“Ultimately, our lack of composure, particularly in the final third, has cost us and we’ve lost the game.
“We conceded a goal from a set piece and that is really poor from us give the height we had in the team tonight.
“We’re lacking a bit of conviction and confidence right now. The frustrating thing is that we’re creating decent chances, it’s just that we’re not taking them right now. We also know that our final ball can be better at times.
“There wasn’t really much between the two sides. Birmingham are a well organised side, but they didn’t cause us too many problems tonight, so it’s really frustrating.
“We decided to go with two big men because Birmingham tend to let teams have the ball and look to play on the counter. We want to go a bit more direct and get the ball in and around the area. It worked at times, but our passing has to be better.
“We’re all hurting right now. It’s a tough time, but we’ve got to battle on believe that we will get through it.
“Things can change so quickly, but we can’t keep saying that. That was as poorly as we’ve played at home.
“We have a big game against Leeds this weekend now. We’ll look back at all the things we can do better, particularly in the final third, and try get back on track.”
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