Coyle hopes winning vibe will boost Bolton's fight for survival
Millwall 0 Bolton
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Bolton Wanderers manager, Owen Coyle, wants his players to use their 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Millwall on Saturday as a platform to heave themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone.
The Trotters eased past Millwall at the New Den with a goal in each half. The impressive Ryo Miyaichi opened the scoring after four minutes and David Ngog settled the tie just before the hour. Coyle had been expecting a tough examination of a side who have slipped to 19th in the table, just one point clear of bottom side Wigan.
He said: "It certainly gives us a good feeling to win any game and we'll take that into the Premier League with some big games ahead of us – but ones we're looking forward to. We looked a real threat when we passed and moved the ball. The object of the exercise was to make sure we're in the draw for the quarter-final. Overall, it was a very good performance from start to finish, but equally there are bits and pieces you as a manager think you could do better. At times we could have passed and moved it better, and that would have culminated in more chances. We scored two good goals and could have added a few more."
Millwall's Kenny Jackett hailed the effort shown by his team, who are fighting to stay in the Championship. He said: "We have had a good go at the Cup, but really we have to look at what is our main priority, which is working very hard to stay in the division.
"We are looking at the table and results at this stage of the season, but ultimately it is about us getting the points we need. We have enough games to have a positive end to the season and that is what we are looking for. We played some good football and we are pleased with what we have done in the Cup this year."
Match facts
Milwall: MILDENHALL 6/10; DUNNE 5; ROBINSON 5; LOWRY 6; BARRON 6; SMITH 5; FEENEY 6; TROTTER 6; KANE 6; KEOGH 6; HENDERSON 7
Bolton: BOGDAN 6; RICKETTS 5; REAM 6; WHEATER 5; STEINSSON 6; MIYAICHI 7; MUAMBA 7; REO-COKER 6; TUNCAY 6; NGOG 7; M DAVIES 6
Scorers: Bolton Wanderers Miyaichi 4, Ngog 59. Substitutes: Millwall Wright 5 (Smith, 57), Bouazza (Feeney, 73), Henry (Kane, 80). Bolton Eagles (Miyaichi, 78), Pratley (M Davies, 86).
Booked: Millwall Feeney, Dunne. Bolton Reo-Coker, M Davies.
Man of the match Muamba. Match rating 6/10.
Possession: Millwall 47% Bolton 53%.
Attempts on target: Millwall 4 Bolton 4.
Referee K Friend (Leicestershire). Attendance 11,134.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments