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‘Galvanised’ Bolton need to find killer instinct, says Lennon

Neil Lennon believes that Bolton Wanderers can build momentum upon their win over Birmingham City if they develop a lethal touch in front of goal.

A Matt Mills header secured a 1-0 victory but the Trotters should have won the game by more, with a Craig Davies penalty among a host of missed opportunities.

Lennon says that although his side have the confidence and ability to win games, poor decision-making in attacking positions is holding them back from further successes as they prepare to face Charlton this evening.

“We are galvanised by the win and we’ll prepare as best we can,” said the Northern Irishman ahead of the clash at the Valley.

“Results can change quickly in the Championship but what you can get is a bit of momentum and when that starts to build it can lift you up the table.

“There were areas in which we could improve such as on the counter-attack and going forward.

“I thought Jermaine [Beckford] played very well but at times when he’s in good positions we either don’t see it or miss the pass.

“Once our decision-making in the final third gets better our strikers will start scoring a lot more goals.”

Saturday’s match-winner Matt Mills believes Charlton will pose a stiff test to Bolton’s hopes of making up for their dreadful start to the season.

“Saturday was a fantastic start but that’s all,” said the centre-back. “We’ve got 34 games, which is a full season in a lot of countries, to get as many points as we can.”

“We’ve got a long way to go, and we’ve got a tough game coming up against Charlton who have done well so far this season.”

Lennon further stressed quality of opposition that Wanderers will be facing at the Valley.

“Charlton have had a great start, very impressive,” he said. “They’ve been taken over by new owners so I’m not surprised by the start that they’ve made.

“Charlton normally would be perennial strugglers in the Championship but they seem to have found a nice way of playing.

“They’ve got a goalscorer who’s started the season very well and it’s going to be a very difficult game for us again.

“We’re starting to get a few more of our bigger players who have been injured back, such as Mark Davies.

“If we can come away unscathed we’ll be heading in the right direction.”

Lennon also revealed that he will contest the decision to send him to the stands in the win at St. Andrews if it is taken any further.

“If there’s the likelihood of a ban then I will appeal,” he explained. “I haven’t had any written confirmation but if and when that comes then I will be appealing.”

Main image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC via YouTube, with thanks.

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