Bolton must find a way to overcome their habit of conceding costly late goals, says defender Tim Ream after the 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Tom Walker’s goal looked to be bringing Wanderers a smash-and-grab victory back from the DW Stadium, but Martyn Waghorn’s acrobatic in injury-time meant they had to settle for a single point.
It is a problem which has been all too prevalent throughout the season, and Ream knows it is something that desperately needs addressing.
“To concede another last-minute goal is beyond frustrating,” said the American. “We went there for three points so it feels like another defeat.
“We didn’t see the game out and it cost us – it’s just a lack of concentration.
“When you get tired in the last few minutes and your legs start going, your mind starts going a little bit too. It’s no excuse; it’s just the way it is.
“We’re not doing it on purpose, but we have to figure out a way for each and every player to overcome that.
“We’re not doing that at the moment and aren’t learning from past experiences.”
Incredibly, the derby against the Latics was the sixth game in less than two months in which Bolton have conceded an injury-time goal which has cost them points.
In an honest assessment, Trotters manager Neil Lennon admitted Wigan deserved at least a draw but expressed his frustration at his side’s repeated failure to see out games.
“Once again, we’ve conceded a late goal. It’s happening far too often,” said the Northern Irishman.
“If we hadn’t conceded so many at late stages of games we’d have been home and hosed by now.
“We can have no complaints as a point was the least Wigan deserved for their efforts. That said, we’ve stopped the rot away from home.”
Due to the upcoming sets of international fixtures, Bolton do not play again until Easter Saturday when they host rock-bottom Blackpool.
Ream believes the break from club football has a dual importance for Bolton’s players, suggesting it should be used for rest as well as work on the training ground.
“We’ll use the international break to work on a few things,” said the 27-year-old, who has been called up by the USA for the internationals against Denmark and Switzerland.
“However, at this point in the season it’s as much about giving everyone a bit of a rest, especially with the number of injuries that we’ve had.
“The guys who have been playing a lot of games could use with a few extra days too. We’ll work on a few things then make sure we’re ready for Blackpool.”
Main image courtesy of Official BWFC via YouTube, with thanks.
