Stevenage boss Steve Evans felt Eoin Toal was fortunate not to be sent off during his side’s goalless draw against Wanderers.
In the second half, Jamie Reid was coming down on goal when he thought the Northern Irish defender had fouled him, but referee Sam Allison allowed play on.
Ben Thompson had earlier wasted a great opportunity for the hosts at the other end, while Will Forrester had earlier headed against the crossbar.
“After the final whistle, I thought we played a really good side to a really good side,” Evans remarked. “You can see their options both off the bench and in the starting XI, they are a fantastic team.”
“As the game progressed, I was afraid to make any adjustments because I believed we could catch them and score.
“I will remember how good Bolton is as a team and how well Ian has performed after this game.
“I’ll leave wondering why Jamie Reid is through on goal and a player isn’t sent off.
“To be honest, Ben had a great afternoon, but I will also believe that Tommo’s chance should have won us the game. It was a well-earned point.
Former Gillingham teammate Kyle Dempsey came on as a substitute in the second half and nearly scored with a curling shot from the edge of the area.
“We were the team that deserved to win, even though they started Bodvarsson and Dempsey off the bench, and I know what Dempsey is about,” Evans said.
“But that doesn’t diminish Bolton’s chances; they still have a genuine shot at automatic promotion under Ian.”
“They have an incredible back three,” he continued. Together with Carl Pierganni, Big Santos is arguably the greatest centre defender in the league, but he will go knowing that he had a difficult game today.
We are making a statement here; we are not leaving unhappy. Was it three? What would have occurred if there had just been ten soldiers left? I will not say anything further; an apology is on the way.
The Stevenage manager still has a special place in his heart for Wanderers, where he started his playing career.
He remarked, “When I came out, the first thing I noticed was how great the home and away supporters were.”
“I was an apprentice at Bolton Wanderers when I first started, and I still stay in touch with people.” You always remember where you came from, and I’ve always felt a connection to Bolton.
“I felt the fans were amazing, but unless they had a small breakaway, I suppose they got a little quiet with 10 minutes left.
“The Stevenage supporters have been amazing; they showed up in large numbers to watch their team square off against Bolton Wanderers.”
