Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Blackpool - Ian Evatt's match verdict

Aaron Collins’ injury time strike sealed a 2-1 victory against Blackpool, and a riposte to the criticism which had come Bolton’s way since their heavy defeat at Stockport County last time out.

George Thomason had put the Whites on their way with a superb equaliser just after half time but after missing some big chances and having a Dion Charles effort ruled out for offside, it looked like Bolton would have to settle for a point, until Collins struck in the 94th minute.

“Sometimes in football, you get what you deserve, sometimes you don’t, and I think second half we deserved to win the game,” said the Wanderers boss.

“First half was edgy, we looked nervous. A lack of belief, I would say. And when you suffer heavy defeats that can happen. It is understandable.

“I said in the week that we’d had some low points here, some hurtful defeats, but this group of players, myself, and the staff have always found a way to respond, and we have done so today.”

Wanderers were jeered at half time, the home fans unhappy both with the performance of referee Edward Duckworth and their own side.

But the energy levels picked up in the second half, and Evatt believes that was a big factor in his 100th win as Bolton boss.

“It is special,” he said. “You feel at this time like you forget the other 99, everyone else does as well.

“It is nice that I did it against a club I have a huge admiration for, and it was a good derby game, a great atmosphere and when it is like it was second half it can be a great place to play football.

“We all want the best for this football club and we are all working together towards a common goal. We can be a force.

“This division is going to be tight. There will be highs and lows and the team that stays the course will be the ones who prevail.”

Asked what he has said at half time, Evatt continued: “George Thomason was substituted in the second half and did receive a hand injury but Evatt said there was no major issue that will hamper his involvement at Cambridge on Tuesday night.

“He was just knackered,” he added. “He trained three days but you can see what he gives us.

“I have just seen Keith Hill – thanks for signing him, he’s an absolute gem. I can’t speak highly enough of him, he’s a top player.”

Click here to read article