Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton felt his side stifled Bolton Wanderers in the first half of their eventual loss against Ian Evatt's side but was left frustrated as he believes their good work in the opening 45 minutes will be forgotten about due to the defeat.
George Johnston put Wanderers ahead after the break by nodding home Aaron Morley's corner after a tight first half where the Imps arguably had the better chances to get in front.
But the Imps equalised via Cohen Bramall when his shot appeared to take a deflection and get past James Trafford.
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 and, coupled with results elsewhere last night, narrowed the gap to the League One play-offs to five points.
Lincoln meanwhile remain five points above the relegation zone and Imps boss Appleton revealed his pleasure about their first half showing at the University of Bolton Stadium where goalkeeper Josh Griffiths was untroubled.
He believes his side 'stifled' what Wanderers wanted to do in that first half, but ultimately did not put the blocks in to shots and crosses after the break when Bolton got their goals.
And Appleton admitted frustration that Lincoln's positive first half will be forgotten about due to the loss and that Wanderers still managed to score despite being limited to few opportunities.
Appleton said: "I was really frustrated to go in at 0-0 because I thought we really stifled what they were trying to do and made them go from back to front and they couldn't play through their midfield. I was delighted with the shape and how we went about it - Josh Griffiths didn't have a lot to do.
"In the second half they had pressure but we've got to be big enough and brave enough to recognise that. Ultimately what happens in both boxes counts, we've missed opportunities and not done enough to get blocks in on shots or stop crosses.
"We didn't get on the front foot after the equaliser. The young players have to learn and go through experiences like tonight and next time in that moment they need to do better.
“That’s what frustrates me because we’ve limited the opposition to very few chances and they’ve scored goals.
“It’s difficult for a manager to accept because you get them set up, you get them organised in a way that can frustrate the opposition.
“But we didn’t score the first goal and once we got the equaliser, we never stepped on the front foot to try and get the win.
"There's been a lot of chopping and changes through injuries and illnesses stopping us having a consistent back four.
"We'll look back in a couple of days' time when the emotions are less raw. The frustrating thing is the good first half gets forgotten about because we lost to a game who are on a good run.
"Every game is massive. We know what we need to pick up to make sure we stay where we are - that will happen but we need to stand up and make it happen."
