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Dougie Freedman praised his side’s professional approach as Wanderers saw off the challenge of Crewe Alexandra in the second round of the Capital One Cup.
Bolton progressed with a 3-2 victory at Gresty Road, with Jermaine Beckford netting the eventual decisive goal in the second period of extra time.
And speaking following the final whistle, the manager paid tribute to his players and their ability to overcome a testing start in Cheshire.
“It was a difficult opening period for us,” he said. “I felt one or two players found it hard in the first 15 to 20 minutes to cope with the pace of the game, but through our energy and desire we got back into it.
“In the second half we had enough opportunities to finish off the game, but all credit to Crewe, they got back in it.
"I felt towards the end of the game and into extra time there was only one team who was going to win it with our superior possession, energy and fitness levels.
“Jermaine Beckford is a goalscorer, and he has the ability to score goals – that is why I brought him to the football club and he’s produced two wonderful finishes tonight.
“We made sure that we started with one or two experienced players in the team and in the end that is what has won us the game.
“In both cup ties I’ve introduced one or two younger players which has made it a very level playing field, but I felt we deserved to win the game and that’s the key to it.
“I take cup competitions very seriously and the lads understood that and played very well, but Crewe gave us a good game tonight and made sure that we had to work for it.
“Our away form last season was very good and we need to make sure that we get back to that, starting with Leeds this weekend.
“We had a fantastic win at Leeds last season. We need to go there and make sure that we start the game positively.”
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Bolton progressed with a 3-2 victory at Gresty Road, with Jermaine Beckford netting the eventual decisive goal in the second period of extra time.
And speaking following the final whistle, the manager paid tribute to his players and their ability to overcome a testing start in Cheshire.
“It was a difficult opening period for us,” he said. “I felt one or two players found it hard in the first 15 to 20 minutes to cope with the pace of the game, but through our energy and desire we got back into it.
“In the second half we had enough opportunities to finish off the game, but all credit to Crewe, they got back in it.
"I felt towards the end of the game and into extra time there was only one team who was going to win it with our superior possession, energy and fitness levels.
“Jermaine Beckford is a goalscorer, and he has the ability to score goals – that is why I brought him to the football club and he’s produced two wonderful finishes tonight.
“We made sure that we started with one or two experienced players in the team and in the end that is what has won us the game.
“In both cup ties I’ve introduced one or two younger players which has made it a very level playing field, but I felt we deserved to win the game and that’s the key to it.
“I take cup competitions very seriously and the lads understood that and played very well, but Crewe gave us a good game tonight and made sure that we had to work for it.
“Our away form last season was very good and we need to make sure that we get back to that, starting with Leeds this weekend.
“We had a fantastic win at Leeds last season. We need to go there and make sure that we start the game positively.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]