WANDERERS boss Ian Evatt says his side’s second-half fightback against Gillingham is an example of the togetherness in the dressing room.

Goals from John Akinde and Kyle Dempsey gave the visitors a commanding lead at the break.

But the Whites hit back through Dapo Afolayan before Kieran Lee scored in injury time to rescue a point.

Evatt admits the past week has been challenging but is delighted by the spirit his players showed at the UniBol.

“It was almost the perfect story to what has been a difficult and tough 10 days,” said the Bolton boss.

“I think if we’d have had five minutes more, we’d have got the winner, I’ve no doubts about that and it would have been great to come back from 2-0 down, especially with the 10 days we’ve had and people doubting our togetherness and team spirit is absolute nonsense.

“This group is together, they’ve fought, they’re just lacking confidence.”

Evatt’s men entered the game on the back of three successive defeats, and the Bolton boss insists the second half performance will have a big impact on the squad’s morale.

“First half, we started really well and then the way it’s going for us at the minute, we concede a poor goal and then a poor second and they just lose confidence and belief.

“But then a good chat at half-time we said regardless of what happens, we have to win the second half and then make the second half our reset button and to start again for our next games. 

“We did that, we won the second half, we got a point out of the game and I believe probably would have gone on to win it with five more minutes.

“But their energy came back, their belief came back, their confidence came back, they just needed a goal and sometimes the players do feel that but it came back and when it did come back, we looked a great team.”


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