Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on Salford City win, George Thomason red card verdict & rotation

Bolton Wanderers booked their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 5-1 thrashing of Salford City.

Brandon Thomas-Asante put the visitors in front, but Wanderers equalised through Elias Kachunga. Jon Dadi Bodvarsson ensured Wanderers went into the break ahead.

Kieran Sadlier added a third after half-time, before Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley came off the bench to score a stunning fourth. Dapo Afolayan scored a late fifth before George Thomason was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Luke Bolton.

READ MORE:Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs Salford City - Jones, Lee, Kachunga & Bodvarsson good in win

After the game, Wanderers boss Ian Evatt gave his immediate reaction to the encounter after his side reached the second round.

What did you make of it?

“What I said before about the strength of the squad, that is the case in point. A really good performance. Great energy, good attitude, some wonderful goals – you can’t really ask for more."

You made a lot of changes - is that among the most pleasing aspects for you?

“I have said it and I mean it, and they know it, I trust them all. I don’t think there is any drop off from anyone. It doesn’t matter what team I pick, I don’t think it is necessarily weaker.

“I think it is a really good group of players that need to stick together. They are all going to be needed at whatever stage, and again tonight that is the case in point of how good they are when they are on it.

“I thought it was a good game. I thought Salford came to play. A couple of sharp counter attacks first half that caused us problems, and their goal kind of made us angry.

“Then, all of a sudden we just went through the gears. The second goal, I think you won’t see a better goal than