Bolton 0-1 Portsmouth: what was said at the final whistle

Christian Burgess’ first goal of the season on 42 minutes was the difference between the two sides as the Blues moved up to seventh in the table – outside the play-off positions on goal difference.

Here’s what those closest to the action had to say about the game…

Kenny Jackett

It was a fantastic win. The spirit of the players, the clean sheet, the way they battled for each other and never gave up.

Even in the first half, we looked probably the stronger, I felt, and got the goal from the set-piece.

It was good to see that. It was a good delivery from (Steve) Seddon, because he’d wasted a few corners opportunities, (Sean) Raggett got the first touch and Christian followed in.

The second half, they penned us in right at the start very, very well. Our substitutes helped us in terms of giving us a little bit more in midfield.

The game then went a little bit end to end and I was looking for us to get the second.

We didn’t make that pay but I’m pleased to say we stayed resolute at the back and, with a lot of decisions in the second period that went against us, we found a way to get through.

Keith Hill – via bwfc.co.uk

I'm proud of the players, their application and the way they've performed under a little bit of pressure from a negative result on Tuesday night.

We've bounced quite well and I'm encouraged by the performance.

We've got to be better and make better decisions, so we've got to learn and the way you do that is through match-day experience and proper practice every day in training.

We'll keep practicing those skills and eventually the players will become better - whether it's attacking, defending, heading, shooting, passing, you name it.

The training model is to improve players and opportunities, so I've got no disappointment but I know we've got to keep focusing more on key aspects.

Their goalkeeper made some excellent saves. We worked him and had a few half chances in the first-half where I believe we should have done better.

From a football perspective in the second half, I thought we were brilliant in and out of possession.

Christian Burgess

We deserved it.

This is a tough place and they are a better side than their position suggests. There’s a lot of experience in that side.

It was a great team effort.

Our fans were here in numbers and as loud as ever, so it was pleasing to give them three points to send them home happy.

Neil Allen – The News’ chief sports writer

It was gutsy yet a little unconvincing from Pompey as they triumphed at Bolton.

Christian Burgess settled matters in a game of few goal-scoring opportunities, with the Blues really having to dig in for the second half.

They hauled themselves over the line for only a third League One away win of the campaign, even if was an unsatisfactory performance.

Still, it marked three-successive wins on their travels in all competitions, suggesting they may have now resolved the problem.

Jordan Cross – Pompey writer

It wasn't pretty but that won't bother Pompey and particularly Christian Burgess after a hard-earned three points at Bolton.

Burgess got the winner and helped his side to a battling clean sheet with a gritty showing.

Pompey looked much the better side in the first half but opted to protect their lead - and this time were able to see it out without the home side having a mass of clear chances.

Burgess and Alex Bass shone as Kenny Jackett's side kept up an unbeaten start to the year, Ellis Harrison took a physical battering up front once again in a decent display, while Steve Seddon continues to look an excellent January addition.