Manager's Sheff Wed Reaction

"We have to strive for that level of performance week in week out and start moving up the league," says Owen Coyle

Owen Coyle says his side more than merited victory against Sheffield Wednesday, after Mark Davies’ superb strike saw Wanderers pick up their first points on the road this season.

After initially taking a first-half lead through Marcos Alonso’s looping header from a corner kick, Wanderers were pegged back when Wednesday levelled from the penalty spot.

Though within a matter of minutes Mark Davies pounced on a loose ball, before lashing a stunning left-footed drive into the top corner to ultimately send 2,400 travelling Bolton fans home happy.

Speaking in his post-match press, the manager said: “Our performance was of a very high standard. We scored two good goals and could have had five or six.

“We had to be strong defensively. Sheffield Wednesday are very dangerous opponents and have a great home following. They create a very passionate atmosphere at Hillsborough.

“We got ourselves in front and it would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves after their penalty. Though we passed and moved the ball well and Mark Davies scored a wonder goal after an outstanding piece of play.

“We now go in to two home games and we have to build on this and go and get more points.

“We have the spirit, drive and desire to win games, and it has been frustrating that we haven't been able to bring that together consistently.

“We have to strive for that level of performance week in week out and start moving up the league.

“Today’s win was thoroughly deserved and we’ll take confidence from that.

“There’s quality and a real depth to our squad. We’ve brought Stephen Warnock in, who’s another top class addition and he was on the bench today because he’s working his way through to fitness. He’s only had one 90-minute pre-season game this season. He’ll add to the competition for places.

“We were backed superbly, by a support that travelled in numbers today. We had more than 2,000 fans who really got behind us and made themselves heard.”
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