Armstrong off mark to give Parky a high five
BOLTON boss Phil Parkinson saluted on-loan Adam Armstrong after the striker opened his Championship goal account in the home win over Norwich.
Armstrong’s long-awaited 40th-minute strike doubled Wanderers’ advantage after Gary Madine fired the Trotters ahead five minutes earlier.
Although Josh Murphy pulled a goal back in added time, it was not enough to stop Bolton climbing off the foot of the table as they extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Parkinson said: “I could feel the rumblings – why is he still picking Armstrong? But Adam has put in some terrific performances, though he was desperate for that goal.
“So I am so pleased because of the work he has put in. He has got quality but he also has courage. He doesn’t go under when he misses a chance because he is confident in his own ability.
“Adam has threatened to produce that moment, though in fairness he needed to for himself and the team – but it was a terrific finish.
“Nine points from the last five games is a great return but we knew this game would make our recent run a good one or an average one.
“Now we can go into the international break on a high and we haven’t had that this season.
“That performance was about spirit and desire with quality as well so I am so pleased.”
Norwich have now lost three league games in a row and paid the penalty for missed chances before Bolton struck, with Cameron Jerome wasting two great efforts – much to boss Daniel Farke’s frustration.
The German said: “In the first 30 minutes we had the game totally under control. We missed four chances and it was just a question of time when we scored.
“But we have to say congratulations to Bolton. They were effective with their shots on goal and we weren’t.
“We tried to get back in the game in the second half, created a lot of chances but missed chances as well.
“I am pretty annoyed and frustrated because we had the game under control.”