IAN Evatt was pleased to get an early lift-off in League One with victory against Lincoln.

Goals from Jack Iredale and Victor Adeboyejo – both headers from set pieces – and an own goal from Paudie O’Connor handed the Whites a relatively routine win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

And while Evatt maintained that the margin of victory could have been greater, the Bolton boss was pleased to pick up three quick points against one of last season’s meanest defences.

“There were parts of it not to like, believe it or not, we lost a little bit of discipline in the last 20 minutes when the game was over – and I just think we need to have that ruthless streak within us. But it is only the first game so I will give them an inch,” he smiled.

“We did some good things, I am pleased to score from two set plays because it is something we have taken pride in of late. I think some of our general play was excellent, particularly in the second half some of the moves were smooth, crisp and sharp. There is still a lot to work on but it is a decent start because they are a difficult side to break down, you can see that from their defensive record last year.

“The early goal settled us down and enabled us to be that little bit more free-flowing.

“Goals change games and our record when we score first is very good. We dominated today and I did feel we had another gear to find if we needed it.

“We had players to integrate off the bench and the strange thing now is that even if you bring someone on 70 or 80 minutes in, there can still be a large part of the game to go.

“Getting up here for half five is going to be tough.

“We saw flashes from Paris and Carlos and the more they become integrated into what we do, the more we will see.

“I am genuinely pleased and it is an important one to get off the mark.”

Wanderers have been criticised for their lack of goals from set pieces during Evatt’s time as manager but they showed a marked improvement in the second half of last season, and started with two fine examples from Iredale – who finished off Aaron Morley’s corner – and Adeboyejo – who headed home from Randell Williams’ cross.

“There will still be some who say we should have scored from three set pieces, I’m sure, but that is the nature of the game we are in,” Evatt joked.

“Jack Iredale scored exactly the same goal in training yesterday so to replicate that again was perfect, it was a great delivery as well from Aaron (Morley).”

Iredale’s first goal for the club was made all the more special as it came after a long injury lay-off.

The Australian played as the left-sided centre-back in the absence of George Johnston – himself recovering from cruciate ligament surgery.

“I was delighted for Jack,” Evatt added. We know he has flexibility, can play full-back, wing-back or as a centre-half and we like those types. He has settled really well.

“George (Johnston) is one of the best one-v-one defenders in the division but Jack’s range of passing gives us a chance to cause problems. We have good options and we are looking forward to Tuesday.”