It was a day to remember for the right reasons for Wanderers custodian Andrew Lonergan in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
The 30-year-old marked his 300th career appearance with a sterling display against Billy Davies’ men, a manager he played for 21 times during their time together at Preston North End in 2004/05.
Lonergan, who pulled off a three excellent saves throughout the game to keep Forest at bay, praised his team-mates’ desire and admits they all should be proud of their performances.
“I made two or three saves that I was pleased with, but credit has to go to the lads that were playing in front of me.
“We played well and we showed great heart and desire throughout the game against one of the top teams in this division.
“We are thin on the ground with injuries at the minute but we showed a lot of character throughout the game and for that reason we can be proud of ourselves.”
Despite Bolton’s first half pressure, it was the Tricky Trees that found the breakthrough early in the second half as Jamie Paterson made it four goals in his last two outings with a clever finish past Lonergan.
Dougie Freedman’s side continued to fight and received their just rewards in the final 15 minutes when Lonergan’s defensive team-mate Matt Mills connected with an Andre Moritz free-kick to send a looping header beyond Karl Darlow.
“We have been coming close to scoring from set pieces in recent weeks,” the goalkeeper continued. “Matt Mills has come close on several occasions to scoring and I am delighted for him.
“The defence always plays a crucial role. In the last minute Forest broke forward and went clean through but were denied by a great interception by Zat Knight and these moments will keep us in games.
“I told the lads at half time I know exactly what Billy will be saying and he will be firing up his team ahead of the second half. That is what you expect from his sides.
“We showed great desire to get the equaliser and we are confident heading into our next game against Reading next weekend.”
The 30-year-old marked his 300th career appearance with a sterling display against Billy Davies’ men, a manager he played for 21 times during their time together at Preston North End in 2004/05.
Lonergan, who pulled off a three excellent saves throughout the game to keep Forest at bay, praised his team-mates’ desire and admits they all should be proud of their performances.
“I made two or three saves that I was pleased with, but credit has to go to the lads that were playing in front of me.
“We played well and we showed great heart and desire throughout the game against one of the top teams in this division.
“We are thin on the ground with injuries at the minute but we showed a lot of character throughout the game and for that reason we can be proud of ourselves.”
Despite Bolton’s first half pressure, it was the Tricky Trees that found the breakthrough early in the second half as Jamie Paterson made it four goals in his last two outings with a clever finish past Lonergan.
Dougie Freedman’s side continued to fight and received their just rewards in the final 15 minutes when Lonergan’s defensive team-mate Matt Mills connected with an Andre Moritz free-kick to send a looping header beyond Karl Darlow.
“We have been coming close to scoring from set pieces in recent weeks,” the goalkeeper continued. “Matt Mills has come close on several occasions to scoring and I am delighted for him.
“The defence always plays a crucial role. In the last minute Forest broke forward and went clean through but were denied by a great interception by Zat Knight and these moments will keep us in games.
“I told the lads at half time I know exactly what Billy will be saying and he will be firing up his team ahead of the second half. That is what you expect from his sides.
“We showed great desire to get the equaliser and we are confident heading into our next game against Reading next weekend.”
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