Stockport boss Dave Challinor admitted his side were “lucky” to lead at half time against Wanderers – but was encouraged by their response after the break.
Challinor felt they were “too passive” during the opening 45 minutes as Bolton went close on several occasions. The Hatters chief saw more aggression in the second half even though they weren’t at their fluent best. “Really clunky in terms of what the performance looked like. Really disappointed with our first half,” he told Sky Sports.
“Let’s be clear, I think we’d have been lucky to go in level and we went in in front, which is great. There are always going to be performances not at their at this time of year, if they are then great. “But I still needed to see more around what we were and being more front foot, more aggressive around how we defend. I thought we were too passive in the first half.
“I said to the players at half time – as much as we are desperate to win, the importance of us getting up to speed quickly and still being a team that looks like our team is vital. “We were more like it second half without being really fluent. We were more aggressive defensively and playing against a good team, you have to commit yourselves at times. But to win in the manner we did is really pleasing.” Malik Mothersille’s “scruffy” opener on the stroke of half time proved a key moment in the contest at Edgeley Park.
The 21-year-old scored 16 times for Peterborough last season before joining Stockport this summer. “Mal has high expectations for himself in terms of numbers he wants to get,” she said. “But in order to achieve numbers, he’ll have to score some untidy ones. He won’t score worldies every week. “Yes, he’ll get some unique ones. However, when you are in a forward position, some will hit you and go in, which will undoubtedly help. “It’s excellent that he’s off the mark, especially in his first game. “Hopefully, it bodes well.”
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