Ian Evatt is delighted with the way Dion Charles and Dapo Afolayan led the line in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich – but says Wanderers need to utilise them more in the final third.

The pair impressed during pre-season and were given the nod against the Tractor Boys at Portman Road.

Evatt was pleased with their pressing from the front but felt his side could have chosen their moments more wisely going forward at times.

“I thought it was really good. I thought they caused problems, in and out of possession they were excellent,” said the Bolton chief.

“The way they set the press and triggered the press was fantastic, especially in the first half and they just got a bit tired, but we need to utilise them a bit more with quality second half.

“If we’re playing with two strikers and when we nick the ball and we’ve got a moment of transition and a chance to counter attack, we need to play forwards to them two with more quality.

“There was a time in the second half where we’ve stolen the ball in the middle of the pitch, Dion is in 10 yards of space and all it required was someone to get their head up and pass it forwards and then Dion’s in on goal.

“But we just didn’t choose those moments and didn’t execute them well enough.” 

George Johnston also impressed in defence as the Whites kept the Ipswich attack at bay despite a sustained period of pressure during the second half.

“I think he’s been excellent in pre-season,” added Evatt. “I think he’s done really well. His one v one defending is excellent.

“I thought the back three in particular were really good. They were well protected at times but not so at others.

“But we will only improve from that. It’s a start but it is a good start.”

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