Bolton head coach Ian Evatt said his side deserved their two-goal lead as they beat Barnsley 3-1 at Oakwell in their League One play-off semi-final first leg.
A Dion Charles double left the visitors looking comfortable at 2-0 before Barnsley substitute Sam Cosgrove halved the deficit with 15 to play.
But Randell Williams scored directly from a corner in stoppage time to give Wanderers a healthy lead to defend in Tuesday’s home second leg.
“I think for 75 minutes it was a very, very good, controlled away display,” Evatt said.
“We managed the environment really well.
“We knew they’d come after us aggressively and probably had to play over the press a little more than we usually do.
“I thought we had complete control, we deserved the two-goal lead and then a lapse in concentration, because they’re consistently asking you questions defensively and my two centre-halves go for the same ball and leave a spare man in the box on a transition.
“It changed the momentum and the environment a little bit and we had to weather a little bit of a storm and dig in and Nathan (Baxter) has made some big saves.
“But I was really pleased with the way we settled after that initial probably five to six minutes after the goal. We had a big chance with Kyle (Dempsey) and then the importance of set plays. We looked a threat and danger from set plays all night.
“I’m delighted that we managed to get the third because overall I thought we deserved that two-goal lead.”
Interim Barnsley head coach Martin Devaney said: “It’s hard to take. I thought when Sam scored, that momentum, we had it. We had two good chances with Adam Phillips.
“It’s hard to take. I think they are three sloppy goals really, but the lads showed some really good stuff at times.
“It’s a poor set piece (to concede) where individuals have to do their jobs.
“The lads have done well tonight and they played some really good stuff. In the first half I thought we started the better.
“Once we got back in the game at 2-1, I thought it was only going to look like us to get back in it and get that second goal.
“There’s still a lot to play for, I think the lads have got to be positive.
“Chest out, heads up, we go again. If we get that early goal, we can make it a hell of a game.”
On his side’s goal, Devaney said: “We felt like we were right back in the game. The atmosphere, the buzz was there.
“I’m really disappointed with conceding the corner, but we’ve got to be positive and go there and try and get that early goal.”