Neil Lennon - We've played better and lost

Manager happy to see his side dig in for victory over Brighton at Macron Stadium

Neil Lennon says his Bolton Wanderers side have played better and lost following victory over Brighton at Macron Stadium.

Zach Clough’s sixth goal in his ninth Bolton appearance was the difference on the day.

And after the match the manager spoke of his delighted at ending a run of three consecutive defeats.

“I think it’s a deserved victory,” he said. “The first half was a little bit cagey and we had to rely on Ben to make a fine save early on. 

“We edged our way into the game, and in the second half we were a lot better. We took the game to Brighton and on the counter attack scored a great goal. We could have had a few more if we’d have really gone for it.

“Whilst the game could have gone either way, I felt we dominated the majority of the second half. We knew the first goal would be important – once we got that it really settled us down.

“It wasn’t an easy finish for Zach, but he took it really well. He took the shot on early, and often when you do that you can sometimes catch the goalkeeper flat footed.

“Zach is a fantastic young player, but we must remember it is still very early in his career. He didn’t have the best of games today, but have come up with the match-winning goal.

“Josh also had a very good game today and laid on the goal. I think you could see the shackles came off when he was pushed on in to midfield in the second half.

“The fans also played a big part today. The game wasn’t great to watch and sometimes you wonder if things could go the other way, but they stuck with us.

“It was good win and much needed. Previously, it was the first time in my managerial career that I had lost three games on the spin. It’s good to have halted that run.”

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