Coyle eyes cup confidence boost

Owen Coyle is urging Bolton to use the FA Cup win over Millwall as a platform to heave themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Last Updated: 19/02/12 at 13:30 Post Comment   

Ngog: Netted for Bolton

Ngog: Netted for Bolton

The Trotters eased past Millwall in the fifth round at the New Den on Saturday with a goal in each half.

The impressive Ryo Miyaichi opened the scoring after only four minutes and David Ngog settled the tie just before the hour-mark.

Coyle was expecting a tough examination of a side who had lost their last two league games and slipped to 19th in the table, only a point clear of bottom side Wigan.

He said: "There's no getting away from the fact we were disappointed with our performance in the first half last week, so 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."

The performance of his players, with both Miyaichi and defender Tim Ream making their full debuts, pleased Coyle although the former Burnley boss is still hoping for improvements.

"We looked a real threat when we passed and moved the ball," he said.

"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've added a few more into the bargain."

Millwall counterpart Kenny Jackett hailed the effort shown by his team who are themselves fighting to stay in the Championship - something which has always been the objective for the manager.

He said: "We have had a good go at the cup - and despite a poor start we haven't disgraced ourselves 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 total we need.

"We have enough games to have a bright and positive end to the season and that is what we are looking for."

Jackett then refuted claims that being eliminated from the FA Cup could prove to be a good thing for their Championship survival chances, he said: "Not really, if possible you always want to win and do well but it is what it is and we played a Premier League side today and gave them a start and that proved to be a big obstacle for us to overcome.

"We played some good football and we are pleased with what we have done in the FA Cup this year and now we have to look forward to doing well in the league and we need a strong finish."

The Lions currently occupy 19th place in the Championship and are six points clear of the drop-zone. Their position has been slightly enhanced by Portsmouth's 10-point deduction for entering administration but Jackett wants his team to save themselves rather than leave their fate in the hands of others.

"We have been up and down this season there is no doubt about that . We have shown some promise and some good football but ultimately on too many occasions come up short," he said.

"We have to find a little bit to be a side that can consistently win in this division - not much but we do have to find it and we do have to improve.

"Perhaps with about a third of the season left I want a really strong finish until the end of the season and not be in a position where we have to look around the country."

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W

onder if thats the same kit he had on for saturdays photos, hope he washed it after all the bood,sweat and tears he put into winning it

swampdog83
Terry: Bad memories erased

A

bsolutely delighted for Chelsea, what a story. Particularly happy for Drogba to (possibly) sign off a career on such a high note. Wonder how the spurs fans are feeling tonight.

gunnergremlin
Champions League glory for Blues

Y

eah yeah, whatever fatty. Keep trying to talk down a competition you'll never play in. I bet you'll get relegated next season and claim the 38th game is more important than the CL final too.

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