Exeter boss Gary Caldwell felt Wanderers “shut up shop” during the second half as his side were beaten 2-0 at the UniBol.

Conor Bradley and Dion Charles were both on target for the Whites during a dominant opening 45 minutes.

The visitors had a bit more joy after the break but failed to carve out many opportunities against a stubborn Bolton defence.

Caldwell - who took charge at St James Park following Matt Taylor's move to Rotherham - admits his side were not good enough in the opening stages and was frustrated with the goals they conceded.

But the former Celtic and Scotland defender felt they showed a response in the second half and says the officials didn’t help their cause.

Caldwell said: “We gave two goals away and could have conceded more in that period. Good effort second half, we had a bit of a go which was pleasing.

“But to give a team who are near the top of the league a start like that, it was always going to be difficult.”

He added: “I thought they kept going, but I think Bolton had shut up shop a little bit in that period.

“We didn’t create much but we had a go. I thought Josh Key’s chance, he was well onside and I thought the ref was really poor if I am being honest.

“Right through the game, he didn’t help our cause. But we have to look at ourselves first as well.”

The result sees Wanderers maintain their spot in the play-off places heading into the busy Christmas period.

Meanwhile, Exeter stay 13th in the table as they aim to build on last season’s promotion from League Two.

Ian Evatt’s men are back in action on Tuesday, December 27 when they host sixth-place Derby in front of the TV cameras (KO 3pm).

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