Bolton boss Steven Schumacher believes there is still “loads to improve on and learn from” after the 3-2 win at Shrewsbury.
After Vadaine Oliver put the Shrews ahead, the visitors struck back as Eoin Toal scored before John McAtee’s brace.
Luca Hoole set up a nervy finish but Bolton survived, leaving them outside the League One play-off places on goal difference.
“We didn’t compete well for half an hour,” said Schumacher.
“When we did have the ball we forgot to pass it to a white shirt. Credit to the lads they responded to going 1-0 down, and in the last 15 minutes of the first half, I thought we were good.
“I thought John (McAtee) played really well. He was getting his body in and he physically works really hard.
“Every game is important. We have 15 to go and we need to build momentum, so that’s back-to-back wins in the league.
“We should not have got beat on Tuesday in the cup, so the lads are playing OK and they should play with confidence now.
“There is still loads for us to improve on. The second goal for them right at the end I am really disappointed in.
“It should have been a two-goal difference victory rather than one. We just don’t want to concede soft goals because that will eventually catch up with you.
“Loads to improve on and learn from, but again a lot to be positive about.”
Third-bottom Shrewsbury are four points from safety after a three-game unbeaten streak ended.
Boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “The run comes to an end against a very good Bolton side. In the second half, they really showed what a fit and strong outfit they are.
“He has inherited a good squad, and there is no shame in saying you were beaten by the better team there.
“Second half, they were quick, slick and we ran out of steam, I will say that now. I think a few of them were just lagging and it was Vadaine Oliver’s first real big game since November.
“We have come back to 3-2, and I think nobody expected that except me and probably the boys. If you get one, then let’s get another.
“If you let three goals in, then it is difficult to get anything out of games. It is a blip in what has been a fantastic run of games it really has.
“We worried one of the league favourites, and that is credit to Shrewsbury.”
