Bolton out of drop zone as boss hails Ben
Phil Parkinson received a belated 50th birthday present and Bolton a “huge boost” as they beat Barnsley 3-1 on Saturday to move out of the Championship relegation zone.
Striker Gary Madine scored two first-half goals, including a penalty, before Mark Little’s first goal for the Trotters after 69 minutes made the game safe. Tom Bradshaw’s penalty had briefly restored parity for the visitors.
“I am very pleased because of the character we showed,” said Bolton boss Parkinson, who turned 50 on Friday.
“Last time here, we were 2-0 up and drew. We had to stand strong as a team and so I am delighted.
“It’s a huge boost for us. That’s only one defeat in nine now, five unbeaten at home and we are starting to build momentum.
“It is good to see the table. I have only glanced at it, but it’s a good feeling.” Bolton’s victory moved them up to fourth from bottom – four points behind their Yorkshire visitors, who were beaten for a fourth straight league game. “We have got to keep that belief with the positive way we played without fullbacks driving forward,” Parkinson added. “We looked like we can create and score goals.”
Parkinson also praised the contribution of ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick, saying: “Ben was excellent. He is getting better and better.
“Mark was up against a very good player in Harvey Barnes, who is someone we tried to get in the summer but couldn’t get the deal done.
Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom bemoaned his side’s defensive work. “You get what you deserved,” he said. “The goals we gave away were shocking.”