Blackpool boss Steve Bruce hailed his side’s response in the second half as they secured a narrow win against Wanderers.
The Seasiders had been under pressure after Aaron Collins’ equaliser, and Bruce admitted they probably needed the interval to tweak things.
Blackpool are now five points off the play-offs and the head coach says the result keeps their season “alive”.
“Bolton are a very good team and they gave us some problems, especially in the first half, but in the second half we were much better,” he told Blackpool Gazette.
“Harry (Tyrer) pulled off a good save towards the end and defensively we were better, and we needed to be.
“It was hard-fought, two committed teams and exactly what you think of Blackpool v Bolton over the years.
“There’s that little bit of rivalry, which we all enjoy, and it didn’t get out of hand. It was a really competitive game and we did well to win it.”
Blackpool are now within three points of Wanderers, although the Whites still have a game in hand to make up.
“They’re a good side and I expect them to be there like Huddersfield and Charlton,” Bruce continued. “The gap between the top teams is not that great and today we’ve come out on top.
“After they scored, we had a tough 15, 20 minutes down our left side especially, with too many crosses coming in, but we put that right at half time.
“I have to say, the work rate and the endeavour was terrific to get something out of it and keep our season alive.”
Aaron Morley went close on two occasions in the second half before the midfielder was sent off, but Bolton couldn’t find an equaliser at Bloomfield Road.
When asked about his side’s character, Bruce replied: “They certainly had to dig deep. A really hard fought, typical derby, a bit of edge to it.
“I think it was a great spectacle for the division, end-to-end, both teams fully committed and thankfully we have come out on top.
“I’m delighted with the attitude of the players and the way they dug in to get a result, it was good to see.”
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