Boss Ian Evatt welcomed more ‘baby steps’ as Wanderers continue their climb up the division, writes Pete Oliver.
An accomplished 2-0 victory at Crawley Town made it back-to-back League One wins for the Whites, who moved into mid-table before the 3pm kick-offs.
An early Kyle Dempsey goal – from a clever corner routine – could have been the prelude to a more comfortable afternoon at the Broadfield Stadium.
But having seen Town keeper Jojo Wollacott keep his side in the contest, Evatt’s men showed the resolve to dig in after the break before substitute John McAtee sealed the points with a brilliant strike 12 minutes from the end.
“The result was what was most important today. It's been a challenging week,” said Evatt after four nights on the road around Wanderers’ mid-week Carabao Cup exit Arsenal.
“In the first half we could have made it slightly easier for ourselves. We had great opportunities but to be fair to the keeper he's made some brilliant saves when we could have been more comfortable.
“In the second half we had to be concentrated and I thought the players’ mindset was first-class in their attitude to defensive work.
“For the first 20 minutes we've probably sat back a little bit too much but, again, we're trying to build confidence and belief and off the back of (beating) Reading last week we want to go on a bit of a run.
“Until the confidence is fully back it's baby steps forward and that was another step forward today and we’re delighted with the win.”
A second clean sheet of the campaign helped secure a second away league win before Wanderers go on their travels again next Tuesday night to take on Northampton Town.
The Whites then sign off before an international break at home to Shrewsbury Town next Saturday with Evatt hoping to further make up lost ground following a slow start to the season.
“We spoke about the importance of resilience and keeping clean sheets, especially away from home,” added the Wanderers’ boss. “I'm delighted with the clean sheet and I thought the back three were outstanding. Rico was back to his best today. I thought he was brilliant and the front lads have done what they've done.
“Dion and Victor looked a threat in the first half and then in the second half the impact Aaron and John made almost instantaneously was fantastic. We're pleased we've taken another step forwards and for now that's all it needs to be.
“The full focus now is on to Northampton. If we can manage to get a win there we've got a home game on the Saturday and another home game on the back of the international window which can really get us towards where we want to be. I'm pleased we've started to move forwards again.”
Watch the manager's full psot-match reaction on Wanderers TV HERE