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Ian Evatt praised Lloyd Isgrove for supplying some bite to Wanderers’ attractive build-up against Port Vale.
Some concern had been voiced about Bolton’s supply line in recent games, and particularly in Saturday’s 1-0 reverse at Cambridge United.
But Isgrove took a lead role in the 3-2 Papa John’s Trophy win against Port Vale, creating two of the Whites’ goals with perfect deliveries from out wide.
“Lloyd has got good quality,” Evatt said. “The first goal was just a good counter press really and on the front foot, and Lloyd is excellent at that.
“I have spoken many times about his defensive responsibility, but what pleased me the most was his pass decision at the end of it and the quality to execute that pass.
“Eoin Doyle then does what Eoin Doyle does and finishes the ball, but for me, the second and third goals were a thing of beauty really and something that we work really hard on.
“It’s being brave and encouraging teams on to press and then picking them off and making sure we counter-attack fast and I thought we did that.”
Wanderers conceded twice in eight minutes before half time to give themselves plenty to do against League Two Vale.
“I’m always disappointed when we lose goals,” Evatt said. “Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition and after a very good start from us for 20 minutes, I thought they came into it well. They are a really difficult team to play against.
“They always are, and Darrell has got them well organised. Yes, we need to stand up and compete, but we also needed to be super brave on the ball and we lost a bit of that bravery for the second half of the first half.
“But second half I thought we upped our game and were much better and much more positive in possession. The second and third goals were as good as you’ll see.”
Elias Kachunga started his first home game for Wanderers and played his first full 90 minutes, giving Evatt more reason to be optimistic after a difficult day in the transfer market which saw him fail to add to his attacking ranks.
“We need everyone fully fit,” he said. “I trust everybody in the squad. I think we’re a good squad, a strong squad and if we get injuries in the first team and the first XI that are starting at that present time, then the ones behind it need to be ready to play. So these games are obviously important.”
Kachunga was only replaced for the final few minutes by Mitch Henry, the young striker whose only previous Bolton outing was in the same competition against Newcastle United last season.
“That’s one of the most pleasing things for tonight because young lads only get one debut and it’s important that you leave good memories for them kids and win games and we’ve managed to do it so he’ll always remember that now for the rest of his life and hopefully he’ll got on to have a good career in the game.”
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