Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman says a little support goes a long way and with the club’s loyal fans in full voice, who knows how far they can go this season?
Bolton survived a scare from League Two Bury last night to edge through in the first round of the Capital One Cup 3-2 in extra-time.
Bury lead 1-0 for the majority of the match after Ryan Lowe’s strike in the first half and looked set to join other League Two sides in a giant killing spree, however Trotter’s striker Craig Davies kept his nerve from the spot deep into stoppage time to spare the Championship side’s blushes.
“We didn’t give the fans a lot to shout about for the first 45 minutes but they got right by us and got behind the team – that’s what I want to create at this football club,” said Freedman.
“We deserved to go through.”
Two thrilling goals from Neil Danns made it 3-1 to the Trotters in extra time, however Bury’s Jim McNulty headed home from a free-kick late-on to create a nervy finish as Bolton held on.
Freedman also believes the cornerstone to the hard-fought victory over the Shakers was the blossoming team spirit within the camp as they look towards Championship success.
“We recruited well in the summer and have created a great bunch of lads that have great spirit and fantastic character.
“I knew we could keep on going until the death and that’s what we’ve got.”
The 40-year old former Crystal Palace striker said after Saturday’s dismal 3-0 defeat away to Watford in their Championship curtain raiser, last night’s result was a welcome one but by no means a sign of things to come.
“It’s always a relief to get that first victory, but we’re two games into it,” said Freedman, whose team seek a first league win of the season at the Macron Stadium against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
“You don’t look to high, you don’t look to low. We’re football managers and we must look to the here and now.”
Main image courtesy of Official BWFC via YouTube, with thanks.
