We have to put Boro performance behind us - Emile Heskey

Forward takes solace from improved second half showing

Emile Heskey has stressed the importance of building on their second half performance against Middlesbrough against MK Dons on Tuesday night.

Starting slowly at The Riverside Stadium, Wanderers found themselves 3-0 down at the interval in what was a challenging 45 minutes for Neil Lennon’s side. 

And while the Whites were still not at their best after the break, Heskey took solace from Bolton’s improvement in the second half. 

“It was one of those days - night and day - when it comes to the first and second half,” said the former England international. “In the first half we didn’t really show what we’re capable of doing and couldn’t get near them.

“But in the second half we showed what we are capable of doing and created a few good but not clear cut chances.

“Their first goal was crucial. When you’re playing your first home game then there’s going to be a bit of nerves, so we needed to take advantage of that and put them on the back foot.

“But we never managed to do that and they gained momentum from there. Then obviously the first goal came very quickly and we never really got going in the first half after that.

Heskey continued: “The manager said at half-time to put the first half behind us, it’s over, and we’ve got to go out and win the second half, so that’s what we tried to do.

“They are a good side but you’ve got to get amongst them and we did that in the second half.

“You try and nullify them and not put in a performance like ours in the first half. We faced an uphill struggle after that but we did come out in the second half and have a go.

“The goals will come, we’ve just got to carry on plugging away and keep creating. I think Gary and I have got goals in us. 

“Against Derby we were a little unlucky but hopefully they’ll start to go in and we can bounce back on Tuesday.”

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