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Wanderers boss Ian Evatt reckons his side’s win at Wembley was a big step in their ongoing journey.
The Whites have struggled against the top teams in League One at times over the last couple of seasons but recorded an emphatic win against Plymouth.
Evatt says they have previously “lost out in the big moments” but was thrilled with how his side seized control on the biggest stage.
“I am really proud of the result against the opposition,” said the Bolton chief. “Take Wembley and the cup final out of it, we have suffered against the top teams.
“We have lost out in the big moments, we haven’t taken the moments even though we have created them.
“But (Sunday) was the first time where we smelled blood, took our chances and then grew even more from that and gained confidence. As part of our own development and process, that was really pleasing.
“It wasn’t just the result, it was the way (we played). They have been top of the league for the majority of the season and great credit to them and how they have done in the league.
“Steven is a fantastic young manager, they are a good team and I think they will be close to promotion. But I think 4-0 flattered them, I genuinely do. I think we could have scored more.
“It could have been 4-0 at half time and in the second half we had great moments and opportunities. If you throw the game so open like that against us, on a big pitch, we are capable of really hurting you and we managed to hurt them.”
The most pleasing thing for Evatt was seeing his side play with “freedom” despite the pressure of nearly 80,000 people in attendance.
The Bolton boss was delighted to see their hard work pay off at the weekend but is determined to maintain high standards heading into the business end of the campaign.
“These things don’t happen overnight,” he added. “When I first came here, the club was completely broken. We needed a full reset from top to bottom.
“We wanted to bring a style, brand and identity to this football club – exactly what you’ve seen (on Sunday).
“But along the way there has been some pain, hurt and suffering. We have had good runs and we have had bad runs, but that is football.
“There is a phrase we use a lot in and around our football club – life and football is a roller-coaster but if you are going to be on it, the best you can do is sit at the front.
“That is what we did, we enjoyed it. When you play with that freedom, you can perform like they did.”
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