Bolton's current problems 'psychological' - Evatt

Ian Evatt has overseen two wins and a draw since Bolton Wanderers' humbling 5-0 defeat by Stockport County

Bolton Wanderers' current problems are psychological, boss Ian Evatt has suggested after they lost ground on League One's top six at Cambridge United.

Wanderers had led for much of the match against 10-man Cambridge but conceded in the 89th minute when Sullay Kaikai headed home to draw 1-1.

Evatt's side are now seven points off the top two having had an inconsistent 2024-25, in contrast to last season when they challenged for automatic promotion for much of the campaign before eventually losing to Oxford United in the play-off final at Wembley in May.

"We have to manage the game better," Evatt told BBC Radio Manchester.

"For me, it's a mental thing. All our issues are psychological, I think.

"We've got experienced players out there. I put on Macca [John McAtee] and Victor [Adeboyejo] on to help defend the set plays because we knew what was going to come."

Bolton's failure to see the game out came despite the fact they played for much of the second half with a man advantage.

Cambridge's Jubril Okedina was red carded four minutes after half-time for violent conduct after clashing with George Johnston.

"He's punched him. We watched it back, and he's chucked a left hand at him, and it's silly," Evatt added.

"From that, we had the extra man. Whether the crowd thought it was harsh or whatever, it seemed to rally them and give them some inspiration."