Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Cambridge United - Ian Evatt reaction

The Bolton boss was barracked by supporters throughout a disappointing afternoon, the calls for his head continuing even after a George Thomason cross was turned into his own net by Zeno Ibsen Rossi in the final minute.

Two sloppy goals had been given to the visitors in the first half as Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes and ex-Wanderers striker Elias Kachunga capitalised on defensive errors to give the U’s the lead.

John McAtee had momentarily brought the Whites level but Evatt admitted his side became their own worst enemy at times.

“We made it incredibly difficult for ourselves, especially in the first three minutes,” he said. “You can't start a game like that. Three set plays, don't defend one.

“Then 1-0 down against a team that are just going to come and disrupt and spoil and put 10 men behind the ball. It makes it very, very difficult. It doesn't matter who you are.

“And that's what happened. We rallied and we regrouped and scored a very good goal ourselves. But then 50-odd seconds later, it's given ourselves that mountain to climb all over again.

“We completely dominated the game. I don't think it was a bad performance. It's difficult against 10 men, a low block.

“But we had chances, we had opportunities that we needed to take with better detail. But for me, the biggest issue at the moment is how easy we're becoming to score against.”

Wanderers have kept just five clean sheets in the league this season, with only four teams in League One – Cambridge, Barnsley, Shrewsbury and Peterborough – boasting fewer.

Ricardo Santos looked off-colour and was substituted at the half time break. Evatt later explained that an injury – thought to be a hip complaint – had not recovered sufficiently after playing in midweek at Lincoln.

“Fundamentally, we've always been proud of our clean sheet record, defensive record,” he said. “But this season, we're giving it up too easy. They didn't really venture too much into our half, let alone box.

“But every time they do, it feels like we're going to concede and that isn't us and isn't acceptable. And against these teams, it just gives yourself a mountain to climb. The players kept going, they always do.

“And we deserved to win the game, but we didn't lose it, which was important, because strangely, it's got us a point closer to where we want to be. And this is the thing.

“We're one win and a game in hand off the play-offs. And all is not lost. At the moment, it's hard because it's obviously a very difficult atmosphere to perform in.”

The atmosphere was low key for the most part but the flare-ups directed at Evatt were very much in keeping with recent games. Asked about the jeers and chants, he said: “It's difficult and sometimes it's personal, but it's my job to keep the players focused.

“And stay believing and working hard in myself and in them. That's not going to change. I do still believe in these players.

“I believe in what we're trying to do. And as I said, we've still got an awful lot to play for this season. We're not 18th or 19th, but we're three points in a game in hand off the playoffs.

“It's not ideal where we want to be, but we have to deal and cope with the hand that we've been dealt. And we'll keep working hard and I'll stay professional and positive to try and make that happen. Do I feel it's right? Probably not.

“Not with what we've achieved together so far in four and a half years. But I understand football is football and we'll get on with it as best we can.”

After missing out on the play-offs for the last two seasons, Wanderers made no secret of their target of automatic promotion this season but have spent just a few weeks inside the top six.

Evatt is aware of the expectation and the potential cost of failing to achieve Championship football. He said: “The message to everybody is we should be judged at the end of the season.

“And if we don't get promotion, then we obviously know what that means for me personally and what it means for everybody. But that's not over yet. And for now, we have to keep fighting and keep pushing and keep our heads down.

“We have to keep supporting the team and the players. I don't think anyone wants to see us lose. I hope not.

“But we'll keep disciplined, keep focused and keep professional and keep fighting. And that's what I'll do. I love working at this football club.

“I've really enjoyed my time here. We've had a lot of good times. This has been extremely difficult and challenging.

“But with adversity comes opportunity. And I see this as an opportunity to maybe silence a few doubters and get us to where we need to be.”

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