SAM Allardyce has praised his players and the Reebok crowd for responding to his call for patience ahead of last night's Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.

Wanderers won the game 1-0 with a 39th minute Michael Ricketts goal in a close encounter that saw Steve McClaren's Boro dominate the game, territorially and in possession terms, for long periods.

McClaren thought Boro deserved something from the game and declared himself "90 per cent pleased with the performance" but the happy Bolton boss felt justified in claiming: "We just about deserved the three points.

"But we are still learning about what the Premiership is about and Middlesbrough were a good learning curve for us in terms of how patient we are going to have to be - the crowd as well as the players.

"I'm pleased to say they did what I wanted and didn't get over-anxious when Middlesbrough had possession. "Territorially they had more advantage than us and they kept the ball longer than we did but it's about scoring goals. We had two chances - one was very well taken by Michael Ricketts, the other could have heaved a lot of pressure off us if Bo Hansen had hit the target.

"Our defence was so good that Middlesbrough could only come up with one chance and Gudni Bergsson was in the right spot to clear it off the line. After that we saw the game out very well."

Allardyce responded to the suggestion that Wanderers had surprised themselves by making such an impressive winning start to the season, maintaining: "It's no surprise to them or to me but it's a surprise to the Premiership and people who didn't see us in the Nationwide League. This is a step up but the talent has always been there.

"At the moment they are relishing the challenge but I have to stress, it is only two games."

Goalscorer Ricketts came in for special praise from the manager. "Michael has shown a better maturity throughout the pre-season. He is that much fitter.

"I think he realises how much dedication is needed now. He quite likes the rewards and I'm hoping he continues to improve."

Wanderers lost the top spot for just 24 hours after Everton's stormy draw with nine-man Spurs on Monday night.

But Arsenal's home defeat at the hands of Leeds confirmed the SuperWhites would again be sitting proudly on top of the table.