Bolton boss Evatt on Lincoln win, John substitution and play-offs message

Bolton Wanderers made it six wins in succession at home with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln City to keep up their charge towards the League One play-offs.

George Johnston put Wanderers ahead after the break after nodding home Aaron Morley’s corner.

But the Imps equalised via Cohen Bramall when his shot appeared to take a deflection and get past James Trafford.

READ MORE:Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Lincoln City – Substitutes make impact as Aimson and Johnston good

However, a pair of substitutes in the form of Kieran Sadlier and Amadou Bakayoko came off the bench to ensure Wanderers picked up another crucial three points.

After the game, Wanderers boss Ian Evatt gave his immediate reaction and here’s what he had to say.

Overall that was pretty impressive?

“I think out of our mini run we’ve been on, that’s the most pleasing victory we’ve had for me. It was the hardest but the best because they’re a good side and they’re underestimated.

“They’re well coached, they made it really difficult for us, we looked a little bit jaded at times because we put so much effort into this month but that’s why we’ve got a squad now and the subs coming on and making a big difference and I’m delighted with that.”

Was it a big call to make the change at half-time with Sadlier for John?

“Declan John’s got a bit of a back spasm so we decided to call it quits and not make it any worse. The good thing about Kieran is he can play so many positions.

“He can play wing-back which he’s done at times for Rotherham. He can play 10, as an 8, and even as a 9 so he gives us that option and I thought when he came on, he was excellent really, work ethic great and a really good finish. He’s got that touch of quality especially around the box.”

Bakayoko keeps coming off the bench and keeps scoring?

“Absolutely and I’m delighted with him and I’m delighted with all the strikers really. They keep pushing each other. Demps had a big part to play in that goal as well coming on. It’s a squad game with Will Aimson stepping in for Rico. Rico would be missed by any team and any squad.

“He’s the captain of our team but I thought Will was excellent as well and we like to go toe to toe and we want to go for a man for man press and really high press, and sometimes you’re left one v one at the back, but I thought Will dealt with that great. I’m really pleased with that win.”

Another goal from a set piece?

“Who would have thought it, eh? To be fair we were having a bit of banter with George Johnston before the game. He was asking us all how many goals we’ve scored in our careers and I said ‘a lot more than you son’.

“Then he said he wants to get 20 by the time he finishes and that’s one towards that. For a 22-year-old to be talking that way, he’s got a long way to go yet, but if he keeps attacking it like that, he’s got a chance.”

Can the Bolton Wanderers fans dare to dream?

“It’s a really rubbish message and answer but it’s just next game mentality. I set the players a target a good few weeks ago now and we’re still on the way to that target and it’s still achievable, but we’re a long, long way off still and there’s loads of games to be played.

“For now we’re going to enjoy tonight and then we’ve got a really big game coming up on Saturday, but again I must stress if we don’t win there on Saturday, it’s not over. We’re in this now and we’re getting ourselves in it. It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but I’m delighted now to get over 50 points.

“That was our first target regardless of any team, when you kick out and start the season, you want to get to that safety margin as quickly as you possibly can. We’ve done that now and now we’ll start attacking higher up.”

Whatever happens from here on in, there’s one or two teams above you looking over their shoulders?

“First and foremost we are improving rapidly as a squad and I think what the players have done, similar to last year and we’ve not ended the season yet, but to go on the run we have done in this division and how difficult it is with how good the teams are is exceptional.

“Yes we’ve had one or two blips and probably the two blips have come against the lesser teams, which we have to look at, but I’m really, really happy with what they’re doing and what they’re producing because I do know there’s more to come.”