Ian Evatt felt there were plenty of positives for Bolton Wanderers to take out of their friendly clash against Wigan Athletic despite tasting defeat for the first time in pre-season.
Wanderers took on the Latics this afternoon in a behind closed doors clash at Bolton's Lostock training ground. Leam Richardson's side won the contest 1-0.
Charlie Wyke's first half penalty proved to be decisive for the Latics after Elias Kachunga had missed an earlier spot kick for the Whites. Wanderers are next in action this Tuesday in another behind closed doors clash away to another Championship side in the form of Watford at the Hornets' London Colney training base.
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Reflecting on the encounter, though disappointed not to win the encounter, Evatt believes there were lots of positives for his side after the tight clash against the Championship outfit. The Bolton boss took encouragement from the closing stages which were played almost entirely in Wigan's final third, but believes the visitors getting the opening goal was key to how the flow of the game went.
“I think the right words are ‘moral victory’ but we are not really in the business of moral victories this year. There were lots of positives to take out of the game.
“We shaded it first half and had the better chances, definitely. Of course we missed a penalty and they scored one but in the second half I think we came out and dominated.
“Obviously we are disappointed not to win it but we can take quite a lot of positives from it, especially as there are no points dished out for it. For now, we’re coming along nicely.
“Even first half I think they had very little. They are always difficult to play against, lots of direct play, lots of territory, lots of runners, and you have to stand up to it. I think we did that very well with both teams, to be honest.
“It says a lot that the last 20 minutes of the game was played in the last third of their half with 11 men behind the ball. We tried to break it down and create and had one or two good opportunities but didn’t quite manage to take them today.
“Against teams – and whether their intention is to do this or not – sacrifice possession and play counter-attacking football or territory football, the first goal is really important. We learned that a lot last year.
“So missing a penalty and then conceding one straight afterwards is tough. And then when you are 1-0 against a side keeping a lot of men behind the ball, it is difficult and again it is a lesson we will have to take into the new season.
“I am disappointed, of course, but I do think there is a lot to be happy about at the moment and the way we are playing the game.”
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