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Ian Evatt was delighted with Wanderers' “controlled” display during their 3-1 win at Barnsley in the play-off semi-final first leg – but insists the job is not done yet.
Dion Charles bagged a brace either side of half time before Sam Cosgrove pulled one back 15 minutes from time.
Randell Williams’ corner went straight in at the death to ensure the Whites will take a two-goal lead into the second leg at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
“For 75 minutes it was a very good, controlled away display,” said Evatt. “We manged the environment really well.
“We knew they would come after us aggressively and we had to probably play over the press a little bit more than we usually do. But I thought we had complete control, we deserved the two-goal lead.
“Then, a lapse in concentration because they are constantly asking you questions defensively - my two centre-halves go for the same ball and leave a spare man in the box on transition.
“It changed the momentum and environment a little bit, and we had to weather a bit of a storm and dig in. Nathan (Baxter) has made some big saves but I was really pleased with how we settled after that.
“We had a big chance with Kyle (Dempsey) and then the importance of set-plays, we looked dangerous from them all night. I thought the goal we scored was unfairly ruled out considering some of the blocks going on in our box from the opponents.
“I am delighted we managed to get the third because overall, I thought we deserved that two-goal lead.”
Baxter made a couple of big stops to deny Adam Phillips as the hosts cranked up the pressure in search of an equaliser.
“Nathan is, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in this division and tonight he has made big saves when we needed him to,” Evatt continued.
“The message from the players in the changing room before I even got chance to talk was, ‘This is only half the job done’.
“We stay grounded, we stay humble and get back to work. That is very much our mindset, there is togetherness.
“I was pleased with not just the XI tonight but the substitutes, the ones who didn’t get on and the ones outside the squad who have a right to be disappointed, but they didn’t show any of that.
“All they showed was support and when you have that togetherness, it can create magical things.”
Charles has now reached the 20-goal milestone in back-to-back seasons despite spending a couple of months on the sidelines.
“We can speak about the unfortunate injuries we have had post-Christmas but the squad has come back together at the right time,” the manager explained.
“We have everybody fit and available, bar a couple, and I thought tonight it showed. I was so pleased with the way they implemented the gameplan because this is a tough place to come.
“They are constantly asking you questions – runners from midfield, direct play, second balls, balls in the box. We stood up to it for large parts and have to do it all again on Tuesday.”
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