JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink insists Burton knew there would be a reaction from Wanderers in the second half following their 3-1 victory at the Pirelli Stadium.

The Brewers took a commanding lead thanks to Joe Powell and a brace from captain John Brayford inside the opening 18 minutes.

But the Whites improved after the break and pulled one back in stoppage time through substitute Dion Charles.

Hasselbaink was delighted with his side’s display and felt they handled the tough conditions well.

“We have been waiting for that kind of start, that kind of performance,” he said. “We played the conditions really well and the set pieces and long throw ins gave them a problem and the execution was good.

“Our energy, our willingness to press and close them down was really good. We won our duels as well.

“We knew in the second half there would be a reaction as their manager would be angry. We expected them to come out of the dressing room in a different frame of mind and they did.

“They had people coming off the bench who made them stronger and that put us on the back foot.

“At times we played the result more than we played the game, but overall, we only made one mistake and got punished at the very end.

“It was a very good performance and a very important three points.”

Wanderers were unbeaten in their last seven league matches prior to their trip to the Pirelli Stadium.

Hasselbaink insists Bolton have the talent to hurt any team in League One but felt his side stopped them from playing in the opening 45 minutes.

He added: “They had one shot at goal in the first half which Ben Garratt saved, and we played the majority in their half.

“We had a few people with really solid performances, especially the older guard who rolled their sleeves up and showed the young players.

“They are a good playing side and if you let them play, they hurt you. We didn’t allow them to come here and play and that’s what we needed tonight.”

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