Michael Tonge was delighted to help the team earn a point on his debut for the club as a late equaliser against Portsmouth from Brett Williams sent Boro home with a share of the spoils.
Tonge says that the players knew they had a chance to get something out of the game as long as it stayed at 1-0.
“It was a tough game against a very good team, we knew obviously that they were going to have quite a lot of the ball but the gaffer set us up really well with the formation we played and I thought we played very well.
“I always felt like we were in the game, even when we went 1-0 down I still sort of sensed. The gaffers message from the side was ‘stay in the game – we’ll get a chance’. Even if it comes in the 94th minute or whenever it was, they all count and obviously the lads are buzzing in the changing room which is great.”
Despite last playing competitive football seven months ago, Tonge played the full 90 minutes and excelled in a Man of the Match performance. He says that although it was a tough, he thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I think it was probably March, (the last time he played a full game) it has probably been a good six months. I have been obviously been trying to keep myself fit at Bolton but I have not played a proper 11 a-side-in ages so until you get your second wind you are blowing a little bit!
“To be honest once the second half started I felt alright and it was only with about five minutes to go, my calves, obviously you are going to feel it a little bit.
“It was a great performance and just really enjoyed being back playing football.
“Tomorrow might be a bit achy but it was worth it to get the point.”