Manager says his side must now build on victory over Blackburn moving into the New Year
Neil Lennon says the overriding emotion in the dressing room was one of relief following victory over Blackburn rovers at Macron Stadium.
Gary Madine’s goal midway through the second half saw Bolton edge past their Lancashire neighbours in front of the Sky television cameras.
And speaking in his post-match press conference the manager said he was happy for all associated with the club.
“I’m relieved, and I think the players are,” Lennon said. “We feel it has been a long time coming and it just shows what we can do if we put our minds to it.
“It was a very tough local derby, but I felt we were good value for the win. We hit the post early on and should have scored from the rebound.
“But when the goal came it came at a good time for us. Thankfully, after that we were able to see the game out and hold on for the three points.
“We got a bit of good fortune when they hit the post late on, but that luck has deserted us in recent months.
“We were very poor at Rotherham on Boxing Day and we got the response we wanted today. The result will give the players a huge shot of confidence, there’s no doubt about that.
“I’ve never stopped believing we can get out of the position we are in. It was an important victory today on a number of fronts, more so for the fans. They have been fantastic with us during this difficult time and for the first time in while they’re able to go home happy.
“We now look forward to the game on Saturday against Huddersfield and we now have to look to build a sequence of results.