Owen Coyle offers his post-match views, as Wanderers are held to a 1-1 draw against Ayr United
Boss Owen Coyle declared himself satisfied on a successful workout following Wanderers' 1-1 pre-season draw away at Ayr United.
Second half sub Marcos Alonso steered home the opener on 70 minutes after good work from Tom Eaves, before the hosts pulled a goal back late on through Mark Roberts.
There were also impressive outings for Gregg Wylde, Josh Vela, Chung-Yong Lee and new signing Keith Andrews. The only notable absentees were Olympic-bound Marvin Sordell and David Ngog, who missed out on the matchday squad with a back strain.
Speaking in his post-match press Coyle said: "Tonight was a terrific exercise and the lads did everything we asked of them.
"We knew coming here that it was going to be a good fitness test for us, with Ayr United having already played three or four games.
"We changed the whole team about - we used 22 players and scored a very good goal. We could have had a few others if truth be told. I thought Marcos took his goal wonderfully well - it was a good finish.
"Tonight was a terrific advert - both teams were trying to play the right way, trying to pass and move the ball, albeit they defended in numbers.
"For us, in terms of a working exercise, it was fantastic to give everybody match time and it was the first step towards August 18."
Coyle introduced seven substitutes at half time, with a further four appearing before the game was up.
Youngsters Vela, Eaves, Joe Riley, Michael O'Halloran, Adam Blakeman and Jay Lynch all gained valuable game time and the manager was quick to praise their professionalism and maturity.
He added: "There was a youthful exuberance in the second half. Young Josh Vela was outstanding for a lad that's just 18 years of age, and there's obviously young Joe Riley, Tom Eaves, Michael O'Halloran, Adam Blakeman and Jay Lynch.
"We know we've got young talent coming through the club, aligned with quality, experienced players. Then there are the likes of Mark Davies and Adam Bogdan.
"All-in-all, I'm very pleased with how tonight went - you are always disappointed to concede a goal but you've got to credit Ayr United with that.
"Again, we had travelling fans that turned up to support the club and we thank them for that. It was great to see the Bolton flags and the supporters coming up to make the journey on a wet night."