Ian Evatt hailed Wanderers’ best first-half showing of the season as the Whites enjoyed some Christmas cheer.
Goals before the break from the Northern Ireland international duo of Conor Bradley and Dion Charles set Wanderers on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win over Exeter City in front of a near-20,000 Family Day crowd.
And despite not adding to their tally, Evatt was delighted with the outcome as Wanderers stayed fifth in League One going into Christmas.
“In the first half I thought we were outstanding,” said the Whites’ boss.
“We were really fluid. We started aggressively with and without the ball. The only criticism is that the game should have been over at half-time.
“There was lots of energy, lots of good play and intricate play.
“As a first-half performance I think it was probably the best of the season.
“In the second half, as much as it was scrappy and frustrating and we looked fatigued – and there were lots of reasons for that – I was really pleased with the fact they created very little and we managed to see the game out.
“That’s a new back three playing there today, with two lads who haven’t played a great deal of football and never played together.”
Wanderers secured a first clean sheet in five league games with Will Aimson – starting a first league game since October in place of the injured Gethin Jones – joining Eoin Toal and George Johnston in the defensive line-up.
Behind them James Trafford barely had a save to make as Wanderers comfortably protected the lead secured by Bradley’s eighth-minute strike and a 10th goal of the season 18 minutes later from Charles.
“A lot of people have said we’ve missed a lot of opportunities. We know we have but it just shows what could be achieved,” added Evatt after Charles moved into double figures with his fourth goal in as many games.
“It’s good to see he’s back in form again and scoring goals. I thought Dapo was excellent and the way those two led the line was first half was superb, backed up by the rest of the team.
“It was a job well done. The result was the most important thing today.
“I was pleased that we got the victory and now it gives us time and chance to re-set, have a good Christmas and get ready for the 27th and a big game against Derby.”