Match views . . . Bolton

Stephen Robinson questions the fourth official

ATHLETIC manager Stephen Robinson saw little to criticise in his side's overall effort at Bolton, despite the defeat:

"It was a disappointing result, but I thought the performance was good.

"The decision that went against us early in the game (for Clough's opening goal) was ridiculous and it carried on with four or five decisions later on which were incredible.

"Goals change games, there is no other way to put it. We created a lot of chances, but if you don't take them then as I say, goals change games.

"Carl Winchester had four or five good chances to hit the target and didn't, but I thought he was outstanding all day and was our best player.

"Paul Green missed a super chance when one-on-one with the goalkeeper and Freddie (Ladapo) missed the follow up. If you don't take those chances away from home against a team who are favourites for promotion then you're not going to win the game so it was very disappointing.

"I can't come out and slate any players. They have dug in and their commitment and desire was brilliant, but if you don't score, you're not going to win games.

"People make individual errors, but that's what happens with young players and we will learn from that, Cameron Burgess will learn from it and he has my backing.

"The fans were terrific, they really got behind the boys and the result is a let down for them really."

Phil Parkinson was happy with his match-winner Zach Clough:

"I am pleased for Zach and you need your big players to produce moments in games. He certainly did that.

"The free-kick was outstanding. It was very close to the 18-yard line and those are difficult to get up and down. It was a great piece of skill and a reward for the work he has been doing in training.

"Despite having the win last week, there is always that pressure coming in to a home game, but we handled it really well and it was a very solid team performance.

"We knew we had to play well as Oldham have a very good away record that goes back to last year and had a terrific win at Gillingham last week.

"You could see there was that spring in their step and even at 1-0 down they were still dangerous."