Jay Matete returned from suspension with a two-goal bang and praise from boss Ian Evatt after Bolton’s 3-0 win over 10-man Lincoln at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Wanderers led 1-0 at half time following Aaron Collins’ 10th goal of the season after 36 minutes.
They then started the second with a man advantage following two yellow cards in first-half stoppage-time to Lincoln midfielder Ethan Erhahon from referee Ross Joyce.
Matete, who missed Bolton’s Boxing Day home defeat by Barnsley, made it 2-0 after 50 minutes with his first goal in 21 months. He then sealed Bolton’s first win in four games with his second after 66 minutes.
“We missed Jay on Boxing Day,” said boss Evatt. “He has done well for us.
“Jay has a serious skillset to be a top player at this level. It is good for him to get two and he nearly got a hat-trick.”
On Wanderers’ return to winning ways Evatt added: “There was a lot to like about that.
“The sending off clearly helped but it didn’t change their organisation. But it made it easier to lock the game out and make sure we could sustain attacks .
“So, a lot of positives but we can’t get carried away. We can’t stay on the cycle of responding. We want to build and gather momentum.”
Lincoln boss Michael Skubala gave his views before a post-game discussion with referee Joyce.
“I don’t know what he (Erhahon) said. If it is dissent for two yellow cards I will deal with it internally,” he said.
“I am waiting for the referee’s report. I have got two sides of a story but that moment changes the game.
“If it is Ethan I will deal with it internally, if it’s not and something has gone on I have to look at that with the League as well.
“We work hard with him (Erhahon) on his discipline. He can be some player.
“Everyone sees his talent but he is a player that lives on the edge. He has got to control his emotions better.
“I feel for the 10 men and definitely for the 900 or so fans who were fantastic and saw how hard our players were working; to travel for an incident that let a lot of people down… “
Lincoln were far from second best before Collins lashed in a long-range strike that went in via an upright.
“It was not the best goal to concede but we were still in the game and causing them problems,” added Skubala.
“But I am proud of the lads who dug it out in the second half. They worked so hard.”
