IAN Evatt could only applaud Dion Charles’s stunning late winner for Wanderers at Shrewsbury – but he also acknowledged the hard work which got them there.

Although Charles will grab the headlines thanks to a wonderful 90th minute volley to seal three points, Bolton’s stubborn reluctance to protect a clean sheet was the thing that most pleased the manager.

“I am delighted for Dion to get off the mark,” he said. “There is nothing better than to score in front of what was a magnificent support.

“You always have to work hard to win away from home. I think they were five or six unbeaten, you have to dig in, defend your box well, then take your opportunities when you make them.

“We are still building our confidence levels. The change of shape has given us a bit more connection in terms of the way we defend. And on the ball we will improve as that confidence comes.

“First and foremost we have to be hard to beat. You have to show effort and commitment and we did that today in abundance.”

Wanderers have put together back-to-back wins for the first time since October, rising to 15th in the table, and Evatt feels his squad is now looking capable of continuing their push up the table.

“I am not saying I’m a prophet but I did say in October we were going to go through a difficult time, suffer and struggle. I knew it would be hard, and it was,” he said.

“But with the backing of the board we have managed to rebuild the squad and I think it looks pretty strong again now.

“I am not going to rest on my laurels, we have loads of work to do, and to keep everyone in one piece would be nice. Once we get Kachunga, Isgrove, Sheehan, Xav and we add another midfield player, that is going to look strong.

Consecutive clean sheets are another rarity for Bolton – who have not managed that since April – and the defensive improvements have also been another real plus for Evatt.

“Belief is still coming but for the last couple of games hard work and making ourself harder to beat was the main thing,” he said. “Too many times this season we have been the masters of our own demise, giving away stupid goals with individual errors. We needed to start defending with our lives and we have done that today.”

Wanderers remain interested in signing Gillingham captain Kyle Dempsey but Evatt confirmed there has been no progress in the last couple of days.

“We want the player and we have made an offer but we are still waiting to hear back from Gillingham. We will pursue it as best we can within reason,” he said.

“He is a player we want and like and we feel light in that midfield area.”