Academy graduate offers his thoughts following Wanderers' narrow reverse to the Seagulls
Having seen Wanderers’ three-match unbeaten run in the league brought to an end with a narrow defeat away at Brighton on Saturday, Josh Vela admitted that the team were left wondering as to how they left the south-coast empty handed at the final whistle.
With Jamie Murphy having opened the scoring for the Seagulls, Emile Heskey responded for the Whites before Tomer Hemed restored the home side’s advantage shortly before the break.
Neil Lennon’s men responded in the perfect fashion following the restart however with Jay Spearing drilling home, but Beram Kayal’s effort just shy of the hour mark ultimately proved decisive in the encounter at the Amex Stadium.
And speaking to bwfc.co.uk following the final whistle, the academy graduate admitted that a point was the least Wanderers felt they deserved given their exploits.
“To come from behind twice like we have but to still leave empty handed is a massive disappointment,” he said. “We only have to look at the Wolves game where we came back to get a late point to see what we can do, so all the lads are gutted that we
weren’t able to get a draw.
“We’ve got to keep our heads up now though – we’ve got 15 games to go, starting with the QPR match next weekend which is a massive match for us now.
“Brighton are up there at the top of the table, but I think we arguably played better than them in the second half. We had a couple of chances to win it ourselves, but unfortunately they took theirs and we leave empty handed.
“We played some good stuff, so we just need to get back out there on the training pitch and make sure that everybody keeps their heads up so we can get out of this.”
He continued: “If we win our home games and try and pick up points on the road, I think we can get out of this. Next weekend though is the big one and what we’re all going to be focused on this week.
“We’re difficult to beat at home and the fans, who’ve been fantastic this season, will help us to hopefully pick up all three points.”
Vela also paid tribute to the 500 plus travelling Bolton fans, thanking them for their support in the clash.
“The fans who made the trip today were brilliant,” he explained. “It’s a very long way and every credit to them because they sang all the way through and it was appreciated.
“We’re gutted that we just couldn’t repay them with a point.
“It hurts me so much to see us where we are at the moment,” he added. “Bolton Wanderers is all I’ve known since I was eight years old. I know though that we’ve got enough about us to get out of this situation and stay in this league.”