PHIL Parkinson was left disappointed with aspects of his side’s defending as Wanderers dropped two points at Sunderland.

Sammy Ameobi gave the Whites a 32nd minute lead but two goals from Lewis Grabban put the Black Cats in the driving seat.

Gary Madine equalised and Karl Henry nudged Bolton ahead with 23 minutes to go but a late Patrick McNair drive earned a point – even if it was not enough to save Simon Grayson’s job, with the news following quickly after the final whistle that he had been sacked after 18 games in charge.

“First half, after the first 10 minutes, we were in control,” Parkinson said. “We got the first goal and to concede on the stroke of half time sent us into the dressing room low.

“We said all the right things at half time but you could feel that sense of flatness. And they came out with a spring in their step.

“We showed great character after that and at 3-2, I fancied us to go and score a fourth.

“We have conceded some soft goals and we need to look at that. Scoring three goals away from home should be three points.

“Going forward, we’re massively improved on where we were a month ago.”

Parkinson was disappointed to see Grayson sacked so soon after the game had ended but believes the former Preston and Huddersfield manager will be back soon.

“Whoever came in here, there were a couple of managers who turned it down because they knew things weren’t good behind the scenes,” he said.

“I’m disappointed for Simon Grayson because he is a very good manager and he will be back sooner rather than later.”