Ian Evatt hailed the biggest win of Wanderers’ current run as his side again dug deep to secure the victory that keeps them edging towards the play-off places.
Evatt saw his side secure a sixth successive home win as substitutes Kieran Sadlier and Amadou Bakayoko struck within the space of eight minutes inside the final quarter of an hour to complete a 3-1 victory over Lincoln City.
Sadlier claimed his first Wanderers’ goal to restore the lead after George Johnston’s headed opener early in the second half had been cancelled out by a lively City side.
And Bakayoko then moved into double figures for the season as he slotted home his fifth goal in seven appearances from a pass from fellow substitute Kyle Dempsey as the Whites’ squad strength again came to the fore.
“For me, that’s probably the biggest, most important and probably most difficult win on this run we’ve been on,” said Evatt.
“I think they’re a very good team and we weren’t quite our usual selves at times.
“We looked a little bit jaded but this is why we did the recruitment in January.
“We have a good squad of players now and people who can come off the bench and make a difference.
“I’m delighted for Kieran coming on at half-time in a difficult position for him but took to it really well and took his goal really well.
“And then Baka can’t stop scoring at the moment, which is great for us as well, and it was a really good win.
“We knew it was going to be tough tonight but we managed to find a way, which is important.
“This month has been gruelling. It’s been tough, it’s been relentless but the players keep finding a way and that’s a sign of good character but also some good quality in that group and I’m really pleased with where they’re at.”
Wanderers have won five of their seven games in February and seven of their last nine to mount a charge towards the play-off places.
Evatt’s men remain 10th in the table but are now just five points away from the top six ahead of Saturday’s trip to third-placed MK Dons after backing up last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Wimbledon with another show of home strength.
“It was important we won the two home games after a disappointing trip to Burton and now we’ve got a huge game coming up on Saturday,” added the Wanderers’ boss, who was without captain and talisman Ricardo Almeida Santos following the birth of his second son.
“Again, I must stress, if we don’t win there on Saturday it’s not over. It’s not make or break because of these two home wins.
“We’re in this now and we’re getting ourselves in it. It’s going to be a bumpy tide but I’m delighted to get over 50 points.
“That was our first target. Regardless of any team, when you kick out and start the season you want to get to that safety margin as quickly as you possibly can.
“We’ve done that now and now we’ll start attacking higher up.”
To watch the manager’s post-match interview, click HERE