Bolton boss Ian Evatt admitted that his substitutes had a significant impact
as the Trotters ran out 2-1 winners over Leyton Orient.
One of his second-half tactical substitutions making an immediate impact as Victor Adeboyejo had just stepped off the bench when he met a set-piece to score with his first touch.
Dion Charles had opened the scoring before Orient equalised through Charlie Kelman before the break but the points were secured thanks to Adeboyejo and a superb full-length save by keeper Nathan Baxter from Kelman in the dying moments.
“I thought the last half hour the guys we brought off the bench were terrific and put their bodies on the line,” Evatt said.
“Last season we played sixty-odd games and had players at the end who were playing injured which was physically challenging but hopefully we have some lady luck on our side this season but that was a really positive start.
“I think there were parts of today we haven’t shown in the past. The resilience, the ability to find a way to win away from home and dig in by doing those ugly bits.
“Credit to Leyton Orient. They really put it on us and were aggressive with their press so there wasn’t space for us to play through but you need players to make those runs and enable the ball to stick up there.
“Nathan Baxter made a fantastic save and showed why, for me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the league. The most pleasing thing for me today was the way we have shown we can bring players off the bench and impact the game with speed.”
Orient head coach Richie Wellens, who was booked for dissent during the second half, was far from downbeat.
“It was a disappointing result but apart from that there was so many positives and we went toe-to-toe with them,” he stated.
“They started the game better and scored with their first attack. I didn’t think it was possible their shot could go in but it took three or four bounces and went in off the post.
“We were aggressive, grew into the game and believed more. Their goalkeeper pulled off an unbelievable save from Charlie Kelman, we’ve hit the bar and then Charlie should have scored where again the keeper has made a save but he should have gone near side. We certainly created better chances and had more shots on target. There was loads of positives.
“I think we have some of the best players in the league but I need the players to believe it. I’m pleased we were so competitive and it’s a credit to the football club and the players we matched them.”
