Barnsley interim boss Conor Hourihane hailed a “big performance” against Wanderers at Oakwell.
Hourihane secured his first three points in the hot seat and the Yorkshire club ended a run of seven games without victory.
The interim boss was delighted with his side’s fast start as Jonathan Russell and Fabio Jalo both struck in the opening 25 minutes.
“I am delighted,” Hourihane told the club channels. “Full credit to the players, I thought they were outstanding. I have asked a lot of them over the last five or six games and I think it all came together nicely.
“Really proud of them, stayed consistent, stuck with the work and I thought they put in a real good performance.
“The last couple of days in training, I could feel the energy and the response from Birmingham last week.
“They put in a big performance for me. I asked a lot of them and really proud of them, I thought they were brilliant."
Barnsley’s start forced Wanderers into changes from the bench before the interval in an attempt to wrestle back control.
“It is so important to be good without the ball as well as being good with the ball,” Hourihane added. “The best teams are so good with and without the ball, you have got to play with energy and intensity.
“I asked a lot of the midfield, they had to track runners and (Bolton) have some good midfield players.
“I asked a lot of the wingers with their pressing angles and how they want to press. We forced them into three changes after half an hour which speaks volumes over how the start was.
“I am just delighted for the fans as well, getting a win at home against a really good side who are pushing for the play-offs.
“Everyone speaks about the home record and to put in that big performance – it would be just as special away from home as well, but in front of the fans – they deserve it.
“It has been tough over the last couple of years in terms of home form so I am delighted for them.”
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