Ian Evatt hailed the best yet in Wanderers’ end-of-season run as his side made it a hat-trick of wins on their final away-day of the campaign.
Wanderers became only the second team to win at Cheltenham since Boxing Day as a Kieran Sadlier strike and Amadou Bakayoko’s successful spot-kick sealed an impressive 2-1 victory.
The margin could easily have been greater from a dominant second-half performance punctured only by a late goal from Town substitute Aaron Ramsey.
But Evatt had no complaints as his side extended their unbeaten run to seven games and took their points’ total to 70 with one game to go against relegation-threatened Fleetwood Town at the University of Bolton Stadium next Saturday.
“We wanted to go on an unbeaten run and win games back-to-back and I think that performance was the best of them today,” said the Wanderers’ boss.
“That’s the demands we put on the players. We’re Bolton Wanderers – we’re expected to win, remain professional and keep doing our job.
“That was enjoyable today. I enjoyed that second half, in particular, the way we played, the way we passed and caused them problems. A good performance all round.
“Seventy points with one to play is not all bad. We’ve still got work to do and we know we can improve.
“But there are exciting times ahead. The supporters again were fantastic and it’s onto next week. We want one more big performance at home.
“Looking at the table there will be something on the game. Gillingham will expect us to be professional and we will be.
“We will be going all out to try and win and finish as high as we can.
Midfielder MJ Williams looks set to miss the final game after breaking a bone in his hand and having to be replaced at half-time by Kyle Dempsey.
The change did nothing to disrupt Wanderers’ flow, though, as they went up a gear after the break to secure a ninth away win of the season.
“We controlled the game, dominated possession, looked a threat going forward and created chances,” added Evatt.
“Just a mistake from Traff in the last few minutes flattered them as they had a little bit of pressure.
“But that’s a valuable lesson for Traff to learn and I’ve been really pleased with him.
“His goalkeeping has been excellent and there were some really good performances today.
“I thought Dapo was brilliant and Aaron Morley, in the second half in particular, was outstanding, so I’m pleased with that.
“Overall, it was a very good away performance because Cheltenham are a good side – especially here.”