Dougie Freedman insists Bolton Wanderers were worthy winners against Bristol City, as the Trotters moved into the Championship play-off places.
A second half penalty from substitute Craig Davies’ secured all three points for the visitors after Steve Davies’ strike levelled following Liam Fontaine’s first half own goal.
And after notching up their third victory on the trot Freedman highlighted his sides’ resilience as the key to seeing off a battling City side.
“It was a great effort today, we deserved all three points,” he said. “We showed great character and a real desire to scoring the winning goal.
“We started very well, we scored a good goal and we were playing good football right across the team. From the front to the back we defended well and we carried that threat going forward.
“Sean O’Driscoll is a good coach and in the second half he opened the game up, so we went with the flow and we responded to that.
“They threw everything at us, sent long balls up field in behind us but through all of that we stood firm and stood up to the task.”
Bolton arrived at Ashton Gate having made one change from last week’s victory over Wolves, with Darren Pratley replacing Sierra Leone international Mido Kamara.
The switch provided an instant impact on proceedings as Pratley’s second-minute cross was turned into his own net by Fontaine.
However, looking to keep their hopes of Championship survival alive, the Robins grew into the game as Liam Kelly went close before Adam Bogdan saved well to deny Davies.
And the home sides endeavour was rewarded on 48 minutes as Davies nodded Albert Adomah’s neat delivery home for his 13th goal of City’s campaign.
But with just 11 minutes to go the Whites were awarded a penalty after Welshman Lewis Nyatanga felled David N’Gog, and Davies stepped up to calmly slot home.
Bolton weathered a late surge from the all-but relegated Robins, and with hopes of promotion still alive, Freedman believes his side have the character to continue their push.
“We are on a good run and we have to keep that going. I have a lot of faith and trust in this group of players because of their resilience and commitment to the cause.
“The matches are coming thick and fast and we like that, we are back into work ahead of the away game at Leicester City.”
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