Bolton boss Owen Coyle blames injuries and lack of rest for 3-0 loss at Fulham

Owen Coyle, Bolton

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Owen Coyle was left understandably disappointed after a tepid display from his Bolton side at Craven Cottage saw them lose 3-0 to Fulham.

A Clint Dempsey double and a Brede Hangeland header proved too much for the FA Cup semi-finalists who could have moved into seventh with three points.

“Obviously I’m disappointed, we came to look to win the three points, to try and win the game and take us to seventh,” he told reporters.

“We started well, should’ve scored but we never did, Fulham came into the game with terrific individuals and a good team.

“I’m disappointed with how we conceded, all set-pieces but I can’t argue with the result.”

The Scot was keen to point out that his side had been hampered by injuries and that their fantastic win over Arsenal just three days ago will have played a part in their lethargy.

He continued: “It’s not helpful with Daniel Sturridge missing, Gretar Steinsson twisting his knee and Stuart Holden’s still a big loss.

“Fantastic result at weekend, the thing about Sunday was we gave a big performance on the back of the disappointment from the week before. Tonight was going to be a big ask, both physically and mentally, when the goal went in it changed the game, goals change games.

“They’re soft goals we’ve conceded, taking nothing away from Fulham.”

After their demolition at the hands of Stoke in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley two weeks ago the question was raised as to whether the Trotters struggled in London.

“It’s nothing about London, we beat Fulham 1-0 here in the FA Cup so nothing about London.

“We’ve made progress, we came in when we were in the bottom three, and now there’s huge clubs below us.  We can improve home form as well, away form absolutely, it goes without saying.

“Coming in having spent little money to progress as we have as a football club is good, always going to be highs and lows in football management.

“No doubt as a football club we’ve progressed, and we need to continue to do that.”