Neil Lennon was delighted by Bolton’s 3-0 win over Cardiff City last night.
Bolton remain in the Championship relegation zone but are within three points of five clubs with the former Celtic boss setting his sights higher than just avoiding relegation.
Three wins from five matches have breathed new life into the Lancashire side who seemed certain to be heading for League One before the Irishman arrived on the scene.
“It’s the best we’ve played since I’ve been here against a very good side with a good manager,” Lennon said after watching a double from Liam Feeney and a strike from Matt Mills earn his side three points.
“There was a good intensity and tempo to our play and real quality in the final third. We finished the game strongly which pleased me as well, so our fitness levels are improving.
“I think I’ve got some good footballers here and they’ve shown that tonight. Now, that’s a benchmark. We can’t keep going win, loss, win, loss, win and then lose on Friday. We’ve set a good standard now.
“After Norwich setting the bar for us, we’ve beaten a team that were in the Premier League last year so the players know they can certainly compete at that level.”
Bolton’s next three matches are at home to Wigan and Huddersfield either side of a trip to bottom of the league Blackpool.
At the other end of the table Artur Boruc was celebrating as Bournemouth moved into top spot after winning 2-0 away to Sheffield United. On Saturday Bournemouth face second top Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.