Ian Evatt admits George Johnston and Luke Mbete were thrown in at the deep end against Exeter – but was delighted with their performances.

It was Johnston’s first start since the end of January following a spell out of action due to an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Mbete is still getting used to League One football after joining on loan from Manchester City in the January window.

Evatt was pleased with the character his side showed to grind out the result and secure an important three points on the road.

“Luke has not played a great deal of football,” said the Bolton boss. “George, it was his first game back since January. To be thrown in the deep end and perform like that is great credit to them both.

“In difficult circumstances, I was really pleased with the way we toughed it out second half. First half, in possession was as good as we have seen. But the second half was a different kind of performance.

“They stood up to be counted and made sure we got the win. At this stage of the season it is all about winning football matches.”

Declan John was taken off at half-time, with Randell Williams playing the second half against his former club.

“When asked about the substitution, Evatt explained: “He had some illness overnight. He put himself up to play but he was just running on empty. We needed to make some changes and get some energy onto the pitch.”

Conor Bradley got the decisive goal after latching onto Josh Sheehan’s clever through ball during the first half.

“(It was) just a bit of quality in possession. We built from back to front, that is the way we do things. Lots of rotation and a really calm finish,” said Evatt.

“We had other situations first half where we could have been more clinical with our final pass and we are through on goal.

“Our in-possession stuff was great first half but in the second half it was all about fight, guts, determination, and standing up and being counted.”

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