Defender offers his assessment of Wanderers' Capital One Cup clash against the Blues
Matt Mills admitted his pride at Wanderers' performance against Premier League leaders Chelsea as the Whites exited the Capital One Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
With Jay Spearing starting on the bench, the defender captained Wanderers on the night and cancelled out Kurt Zouma’s opener as Bolton went in at the break with the scores level.
Oscar’s long-range strike proved to be the winner despite a late surge of attacks from Wanderers, leaving Mills pleased with the side’s performance, though ultimately disappointed with the eventual result.
“Obviously it was good to get on the score-sheet here against one of the best sides in the country, but the brutal truth is it is no consolation for not getting a result on the night, despite the performance we put in,” said the Trotters’ vice-captain.
“We’ve got a manager who makes us believe that we can come away from home, regardless of who we are playing and what names in their side, and put performances in, and I think the lads certainly did that.
“I was proud of everybody tonight, staff included, and we are actually going away tonight feeling a little disappointed in the dressing room that we didn’t nick a late goal.
"We came here with a game-plan. I thought we were organised. The second goal we conceded is disappointing because we spoke about it at half-time, trying to close down their shots from distance, but when he hits it from 30 yards and it goes in, it is one of those when you can’t do too much about it.
“We’ll fight to the end, that’s the spirit of the lads. I think the fans saw we gave it a right go and if that one catches Beckford’s studs in the last minute then we go into extra-time.”
Mills continued: “Hopefully this can be the catalyst for the lads to believe that we can go up against any team in the country and perform - once we get on a roll, then I think it is going to be a good season.
“Everybody here today can go home having enjoyed the performance and hopefully that leads to something special."