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Ian Evatt thanked his players for giving him the “perfect birthday present” via a thrilling comeback win at Fleetwood.
Late goals from Conor Bradley and Dapo Afolayan helped Bolton back into the play-off positions after a tense afternoon where Bolton’s pressure did not look as though it would ever pay off.
Carlos Mendes Gomes put the home side ahead early on but Evatt said his team’s attitude in the second half to drag themselves back into it was inspirational.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “I think that’s the best we’ve played for a long time, probably since that run of four successive wins, I thought we were excellent. I thought we completely controlled and dominated the game.
“The goal was massively against the run of play, an excellent finish from a good player, but the way we kept on probing, the way we stuck to our principles, the way we constantly asked questions, and yes, we missed chances. We all know the scoreline flattered them today, but it was the way and the mentality and the mindset of the players to not feel sorry for themselves, to get the ball back, go again, stay positive, keep the positive messaging, keep reinforcing what we’re trying to do and eventually we got exactly what we deserved.”
Owen Beck missed a big chance early on for Bolton – and the second half saw several more fall by the wayside as Wanderers’ much publicised profligacy plagued them again.
Evatt remained confident, however, that the game was there for the taking.
“Some of that football was exceptional, you have to remember we’re away from home against a team that’s only lost four games this season and we’ve completely dominated the game, from start to finish in my opinion,” he said.
“Some of our football in the second half, it was almost like they had nine or 10 men. We had complete control, we were camped in their final third, but we stayed positive, we stayed patient, we kept on probing.
“Yes, we missed chances and of course they’ll start to go in, I have no doubt about that, but today it was about the result, it was about the performance and I thought our performance was excellent.”
Wanderers were booed at half time by small sections of the away support and have come in for some criticism in recent weeks after a drop off in performances.
“The players have a massive amount of belief and you know I am not short of that,” Evatt reflected.
“They work hard on mindset and focus on the things we can affect.
“Our fans are amazing away from home and the effect they have on games can be incredible but sometimes it can be the other way. The expectancy at this club is huge and players have to block that out when things are not going so well and stay positive, keep believing. Eventually today we kept knocking and blew the house down.
“I am pleased for the fans, to come here and take over a stadium like they did today, they deserve comebacks and performances like that.
“We are all immensely proud to be a part of Bolton Wanderers and it was a very good birthday present, I must say.”
The impact of subs Kieran Sadlier, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Josh Sheehan was also evident, although Evatt said he was able to introduce the attacking trio because the other 11 players had pushed Fleetwood so deep.
“I don’t think it did change the game – I think we were completely dominant,” he said. “And because we were in that situation we were able to swap wing-backs to one that has less defensive responsibility, more or less an out and out winger. We can shift into 4-3-3 at times and that is what I am saying about being able to shift and give the opposition different looks during games. We are adaptable.
“Sads gave us that option and I am delighted for them all – Sads, Jon, Josh – and it shows them all that if they stay together as a squad, stay positive whether they are starting or not, they can affect games.”
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