Wanderers manager Ian Evatt was delighted with his side’s “resilience” after their 1-1 draw with Ipswich at Portman Road.
Aaron Morley scored from the spot for the Whites, while Lee Evans scored for the home side before the break.
Evatt was pleased with the way his team dug in during the second half to get a point against “a very well-coached team”.
“We had total control in the first half. We started the game very well. Our press was excellent, it was intense,” said the Bolton boss. “They struggled to find solutions, they couldn’t get out and we completely dominated.
“Then the set-play rocked us and changed the momentum as it will when there are 30,000 fans screaming for their team.
“We got to half-time and managed the game very well, and then in the second half we just lacked a bit of quality in possession, which is not like us.
“We had the resilience and we had the fight, the energy, the work ethic. We just lacked the edge and the quality of possession, and that’s something we’ll work on.
“But we also have to give great credit to the opposition. They are a very good team, they are very well trained and they ask you a lot of questions.
“This kind of performance, this resilience, hard work. Those hands-on moments, we haven’t really had in two years, so I’m excited to see that. Now we just have to add our identity in possession, which in the second half we didn’t really show.
“We had moments when in transition the spaces were very open. Whether it was fatigue or the occasion, we just lacked that composure and quality to execute that first pass. But we will work on it and it is a good start.
Evatt admits it’s always frustrating to concede from a set piece, but felt there were aspects of the performance his side can build on in the coming weeks and months.
He added: “You’re always disappointed when you concede a set-play. It’s a well-worked block and a drive in front, but from our perspective it shouldn’t really happen.
“You’re given a man and it’s your job to do it. But these things happen, especially against good teams. It’s frustrating how a set-play gave them the momentum.
“I think a point away to Ipswich, with their spending power, what they’ve brought to the club and their record since Kieran (McKenna) has been in charge – it’s a massive point and there won’t be many teams coming here.and get it this season.
“It gives us a platform to go forward. We know we can be better, but what I saw today was a lot of energy and a great attitude, and if we have that first and foremost, that’s how the quality will shine.”
Kyle Dempsey was absent from the game after picking up a knock in training, but Evatt confirmed his side made it through the game without further injury.
However, the Bolton boss felt his side were wrong about a couple of decisions against the Tractor Boys.
“Dempsey got a pretty strong dead leg in training yesterday so we decided not to take any chances really. Everyone looks fine,” explained the manager.
“Gethin: It’s a stonewall penalty from the first corner. It caught his arm and almost took his shoulder off, which was disappointing.
“I think just before half-time there was a really bad tackle on MJ Williams which has left him with a really nasty gash on his knee, which should have been a red card in my opinion as well.
“But these things happen. As I said, I’m delighted with the boys to get a point and the resilience we showed.”