The Trotters were eager to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat at Leyton Orient, but were made to work hard by a determined Robins outfit.
Striker Victor Adeboyejo – making his 50th appearance for the club - fired home the only goal in the 24th minute, while the relegation-threatened visitors were left ruing a George Lloyd ‘goal’ disallowed for offside early in the second half. The victory was enough to lift Bolton into third place.
“We scrapped, battled and fought without being our usual fluid selves but this league is tough, really tough,” said a relieved Evatt. “You’ve just got to look at results elsewhere.
“It’s a hard league and sometimes you just have to find a way to win and we did that tonight. It was pretty ugly and we know we can be better than that but the important thing is the three points.”
Derby missed the chance to go top when they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Reading, who moved to within four points of safety.
The Royals bagged the winner nine minutes into the second half. A Femi Azeez shot hit the post, but Paul Mukairu tucked away the rebound.
Confidence
It was Reading’s first home game since their match against Port Vale two weeks ago was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch in protest against owner Dai Yongge.
Upbeat Reading boss Ruben Selles said: “I think tonight’s opponent is one of the best in the league, and I think the way we played against them, how we competed in the big moments, and how we handled suffering in moments (means) I couldn’t be prouder.
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