Bolton Wanderers Manager Makes Squad Demand Following Win.

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt commended his team’s perseverance following their 2-0 victory against Crawley Town, but stressed that better standards are still required as the season advances.

Following a solid defensive performance that departed from their customary manner, Evatt underlined the significance of building on this clean sheet while insisting that his players maintain the same level of energy moving forward.

Bolton took an early lead at Broadfield Stadium, with Kyle Dempsey scoring only five minutes in. The midfielder, who had been returned to the starting lineup, scored his second goal of the season after latching onto Josh Sheehan’s well-placed corner. Bolton’s quick start set the tone for the game, and Dion Charles nearly extended his advantage immediately after, forcing Crawley goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott to save.

Despite the early breakthrough, Crawley, who are currently without a permanent manager due to Scott Lindsey’s resignation, recovered their footing and dominated possession. However, they lacked the cutting edge to convert possession into serious opportunities. Ben Gladwin, the home side’s interim manager, had stressed focusing on the transitional phase rather than pursuing a permanent position, but his team’s winless record stretched to five games as they failed to get through Bolton’s defence.

Wanderers might have increased their advantage shortly before halftime when Josh Dacres-Cogley set up Dempsey for a thundering shot that hit the crossbar. Crawley continued to push after the half, but Bolton’s backline stayed compact and organized. As Crawley pushed for an equaliser, Bolton’s tactical adjustment to counter-attacking football paid dividends. Substitute John McAtee, who had only been on the field for 10 minutes, secured the victory in the 78th minute with a well-taken goal that capped a quick counter-attack, winning three points for the visitors.

Evatt was particularly happy with the clean sheet, but said that sustaining such defensive discipline is critical for Bolton going forward.

Evatt told the Bolton News that they are taking small steps ahead and that having clean linens is always a good thing. “We know we win games when we can achieve these things.”

“I was pleased with how the game started and delighted with the clean sheet; we really need to go back to keeping those because it’s important in what we do.

“Defensively, I was really pleased with what I saw from everyone, really, so we need to keep that up.”

Evatt’s strategy to the game aroused several eyebrows, as Bolton, a club famed for dominating possession, adopted a more conservative and counter-attacking approach. The former Barrow manager claimed that this was a deliberate decision, citing respect for the opposition and the necessity to adjust tactics while playing away from home.

“It’s not my preferred style of play, but we had to respect the opposition and the fact we were away from home,” he stated.

Bolton’s game strategy against Crawley was heavily influenced by their recent Carabao Cup meeting against Premier League side Arsenal. Despite losing 5-1, Evatt was pleased by his team’s defensive performance against top-tier opponents, which prompted him to use a similar plan against Crawley.

“Because we were so diligent out of possession on Wednesday, it gave me the confidence to do that today,” says Evatt.

With the win over Crawley, Bolton is 14th in League Two, having collected 10 points from their first seven games. While Evatt’s team has fought for consistency, back-to-back victories indicate that they are starting to find their groove, while there is still much work to be done.

Writers Point of View

Bolton’s victory over Crawley was vital, particularly in terms of momentum. It wasn’t the most fluid or overpowering performance, but it shown that the Wanderers can adjust and get results when necessary. Evatt’s choice to sit back and attack on the counter was pragmatic, and although it may not be a long-term strategy, it worked perfectly against a Crawley team without confidence.

Nonetheless, Evatt’s concerns about keeping clean bedding are genuine. While the defence was strong against Crawley, consistency at the back will be critical if Bolton is to progress up the league. Evatt hopes that the return of important players and adaptability to new tactical settings will ignite a more consistent run of form for the Trotters in the coming weeks.

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