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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on Morecambe win, making five changes & Conor Bradley impact

Bolton Wanderers kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Morecambe.

The Whites took the lead in the first half through Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley, who caused the Shrimps problems all evening, found the back of the net on the turn for his second goal for his loan club. He finshed off a flowing attacking move as the Shrimps struggled to create many chances which troubled James Trafford.

The Whites are now up to fourth in the League One table and remain unbeaten after four games played. Here's Ian Evatt's immediate reaction to the victory.

READ MORE: Bolton player ratings vs Morecambe: Liverpool loanee Bradley great as Dempsey & Aimson impress

Still unbeaten, three clean sheets on the spin?

“I think it was exactly what I predicted it would be like in the pre-match press. They always make it difficult, that low block is really challenging to break through. Chances were limited but the most important thing was we got that first goal.

"After that we controlled it. We had one or two opportunities, moments where we could have probably passed with a bit more detail in the final third and then Baka had a big chance. Then the last 10 minutes you get a bit nervous. But other than the one set-play where we didn’t mark properly, I don’t think they created anything of note. I don’t think Traff has had a lot to do. I thought we managed the game superbly well.”

Sometimes it’s got to be done like that, to grind it out on occasions - maybe this time last season you might have conceded late on, would that be fair?

“I don’t know because I don’t think they created anything, other than the set play, I don’t remember them having a shot of note. I thought the back three managed it superbly well. Will stepped in and was magnificent. Young Conor just keeps going from strength and strength. So a good team performance on the back of a difficult Saturday - 60 minutes with 10 men in that heat. To come out and show that grit and determination to see the game through was excellent. Now we have got a big week coming up.”

Pleased you made five changes?

“I am pleased now we have won the game because I know what everybody is like out there and if we don’t win I’m going to get slaughtered, if we do I’m a genius! As I have said many times, I trust them all to step in and play the way we want to play. Today has been no different. The ones that came in did really well. A good win, a hard-fought win but onto Saturday.”

Onwards and upwards to Sheffield Wednesday and just over 17,000 here?

“It is absolutely brilliant that our fans have come on a Tuesday night and shown the players their support. It makes a big difference to us. Hopefully, it is reciprocated with how we are performing and the results we are having at the moment. But it is still early days, we have got a long way to go.”

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