Ian Evatt was ready to enjoy his Saturday night after seeing his side end their losing run with a morale-boosting win over Ipswich Town.
The University of Bolton Stadium was lit up by second-half goals from Kieran Lee and Dapo Afolayan as Evatt’s men ended their losing run in eye-catching style.
Lee and Afolayan struck inside the space of eight minutes to bring the Whites a first win in six league games as they completed the double over the in-form Tractor Boys with a 2-0 success.
“We have suffered for a long time now and we all needed and wanted that result,” said Evatt.
“We’re going to enjoy tonight because it’s been a long time waiting.
“I don’t think we ever became a bad team. We’ve had moments in games but we’ve suffered in both boxes.
“Today we’ve defended our box really well and scored the goals that got us the win.
“We’re delighted with the result. We’re confident in what we’re doing and that’s the first step on a new journey, hopefully.
“I’m really delighted for the players because they’ve been through the mill the last couple of months.
“I’m delighted that, as a group, we showed togetherness, we showed spirit, we showed energy and showed some quality as well and that’s won us the game.”
Evatt gave debuts to midfield signing Aaron Morley and on-loan goalkeeper James Trafford.
And the pair contributed to an impressive performance built around a switch in formation which saw Evatt employ a three-man central defence and wing-backs in Declan John and Marlon Fossey.
“James is 19 and to step into a pressure game, a good-quality game with a big crowd; I thought he was excellent,” added the Wanderers’ boss.
“Everything he did was really sold and Aaron has quality and sees pictures and passes and he will get better and better.
“Our change in shape really helped us. We haven’t had long to work in that shape and we’re going to get better at it.
“I asked them before the game whatever we did, do it together as a unit, and I thought we defended as a unit and attacked as a unit.
“These good quality games are going to be ebb and flow but the pleasing thing for me today was we looked really compact and solid when they were having their moments and we took the chances when we got ours and that was the difference.
“I thought the way we attacked with numbers and defended with numbers was excellent.”
To watch the manager's post-match interview, click HERE