Manager's reaction to 0-0 stalemate against Ipswich Town at Macron Stadium
Neil Lennon was pleased with a point and a clean sheet against high-flying Ipswich at Macron Stadium.
In a somewhat disjointed affair, Bolton’s best chances fell to Max Clayton and Tim Ream in the opening half.
After the interval Andrew Lonergan reacted well to keep out Jay Tabb whilst the game also saw the introduction of Eidur Gudjohnsen, who completed the final 30 minutes.
Speaking after the game Lennon said: “We’re very pleased to come away with a clean sheet and a point in the end. It was always going to be a difficult game for us.
“There was never going to be much between the two teams. I felt we were very strong at the back and that’s a real positive for us right now.
“We had the two best chances in the first half. Max comes inside and should have probably done better with the finish and Tim Ream really should have shot when inside the area instead of passing.
“Ipswich pushed us good in the second half and they’re a very strong and physical outfit, that’s why they’re up there.
“Our goalkeeper has made a couple of fantastic saves, but we were never really cut open by Ipswich.
“They had the chance when the ball deflected and fell to Jay Tabb, but Andrew Lonergan came out and blocked very well. He’s in a good place right now and is really enjoying his football.
“It was one of those where if we weren’t going to win the game, it was massively important not to lose it.
“We were forced into two substitutions and had to bring Max Clayton and Darren Pratley off. Max felt his knee go whilst Darren had a slight bit of concussion.
“We’ll send Max away for a scan and hopefully it won’t be as bad as first feared.
“We’re a little bit short up top at the moment. Craig Davies and Joe Mason both missed out with injury so that’s a situation we’ll have to look at going forward.”
The game also saw Eidur Gudjohnsen make his first Bolton appearance since re-signing for the side earlier this month.
“I felt he did very well when he came on,” Lennon added. “He gave us a little bit extra and livened things up a bit.
“He even got booked, so he’s showing he still has the hunger to compete. When he gets fitter we’re really looking forward to seeing him and Lee Chung-Yong playing together.”