Owen Coyle believes his Bolton side did enough to warrant three points against Sunderland but declared himself satisfied with one.
Bolton boss taking the positives from successive draw
Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes his side did enough to warrant three points against Sunderland and reiterated his belief that the relegation scrap will go to the last day of the season.
The Trotters earned a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, a game in which they led and trailed, with Kevin Davies rescuing a point in an evenly fought contest.
Coyle admits his disappointment at not registering a win, but put a positive spin on the result, claiming every point is precious ahead of their final three games.
"I feel we could easily be leaving here with three points. We got in front and looked in control for 30-35 minutes," Coyle told
Sky Sports.
"But then, disappointingly, we gave away cheap possession, although I've got to give Sunderland credit - it was a lovely pass and a lovely finish.
"And then in the second half we succumbed to a free-kick. But we showed tremendous character, resolve and belief to carry on at 2-1 and get the equaliser.
Deserved
"We certainly feel that we deserved to win the game, but at this stage of the season every point is all important," added Coyle, whose side remain in the Premier League relegation zone.
Club captain Davies volleyed the Trotters into the lead before Nicklas Bendtner equalised nine minutes before half-time.
A James McClean free-kick put Sunderland ahead after the restart, but Davies grabbed his second of the game with 20 minutes remaining, although it was not enough to satisfy the Bolton striker.
"He's annoyed with himself because he gave away the free-kick that led to them going 2-1 in front, and that's the type of character that you need - somebody who has the club at heart," said Coyle of Davies.
"He's in great form and long may that continue."
Although stopping short of blaming injuries on his side's failings this season, Coyle admits his depleted squad has forced him to turn to youth at times.
High regard
Not that the former Burnley boss is complaining, as he holds Josh Vela in high regard with the teenager making his second appearance from the bench against the Black Cats.
"We had seven midfielders that we started the season with unavailable today, but we have a young kid in Josh Vela destined for a bright future," said Coyle.
"He showed composure, he showed quality, he showed pace - he'll be a top player."
