Home
Ian Evatt gave his promotion-chasing Wanderers a pat on the back for holding firm to claim a crucial win against Carlisle United.
Eoin Doyle’s first-half strike ensured Bolton maintained their one-point advantage over Morecambe in the top three heading into Saturday’s six-pointer at the Mazuma Stadium.
Wanderers fended off a second-half onslaught from the ultra-direct visitors, leaving the manager proud of their defensive display.
“I thought we were brilliant in the first half, we got the goal and should have done better with a few of the final third entries, the final decision, but I thought the way we played, technique on the ball was fantastic,” he said.
“I thought we started the second half really well but we didn’t get the second goal and perhaps should have had a penalty.
“Then because we have got the one and their season was on the line, needing to get into the play-offs and the type of team they are, we had to dig deep. We did it again and got a brilliant three points.”
Wanderers did dominate for long spells of the first half but were unable to extend their lead. Evatt admits they could have made life easier for themselves.
“We are forever trying to work hard on things like that and it is not a lack of opportunities we are creating, it is just the final ball,” he said.
“We are nowhere near the finished article, there are lots of improvements to come in this team. We are still a work in progress and we have fast-tracked that progress since January.
“It was the type of game it was always going to be in the end – long throws, set plays, them throwing bodies forward and being physical. But I thought the back four and Gillo were outstanding.”
Asked about his goalkeeper, who went down with an injury in stoppage time without a replacement named on the bench Evatt added: “He’s fine. He just milks it a bit now and then but we gave him a cuddle and he’s fine now.”
Declan John also limped out in the second half with a knee injury, with Evatt unsure as to the severity of the injury.
“He’s got a bang on his knee. We don’t know what it is yet. He doesn't really know whether it’s a twist or a kick. We’re hopeful it’s just a kick, but Harry came on and stood up and was great.”
Source
Eoin Doyle’s first-half strike ensured Bolton maintained their one-point advantage over Morecambe in the top three heading into Saturday’s six-pointer at the Mazuma Stadium.
Wanderers fended off a second-half onslaught from the ultra-direct visitors, leaving the manager proud of their defensive display.
“I thought we were brilliant in the first half, we got the goal and should have done better with a few of the final third entries, the final decision, but I thought the way we played, technique on the ball was fantastic,” he said.
“I thought we started the second half really well but we didn’t get the second goal and perhaps should have had a penalty.
“Then because we have got the one and their season was on the line, needing to get into the play-offs and the type of team they are, we had to dig deep. We did it again and got a brilliant three points.”
Wanderers did dominate for long spells of the first half but were unable to extend their lead. Evatt admits they could have made life easier for themselves.
“We are forever trying to work hard on things like that and it is not a lack of opportunities we are creating, it is just the final ball,” he said.
“We are nowhere near the finished article, there are lots of improvements to come in this team. We are still a work in progress and we have fast-tracked that progress since January.
“It was the type of game it was always going to be in the end – long throws, set plays, them throwing bodies forward and being physical. But I thought the back four and Gillo were outstanding.”
Asked about his goalkeeper, who went down with an injury in stoppage time without a replacement named on the bench Evatt added: “He’s fine. He just milks it a bit now and then but we gave him a cuddle and he’s fine now.”
Declan John also limped out in the second half with a knee injury, with Evatt unsure as to the severity of the injury.
“He’s got a bang on his knee. We don’t know what it is yet. He doesn't really know whether it’s a twist or a kick. We’re hopeful it’s just a kick, but Harry came on and stood up and was great.”
Source