Bolton manager Neil Lennon criticises Eastleigh pitch

Bolton manager Neil Lennon has critcised the state of the playing surface at Eastleigh saying it was "one of the worst pitches" he had ever seen.

Match officials twice inspected the Silverlake pitch before giving it the thumbs up for the FA Cup clash to be played. 

But the Trotters manager told reporters after the match that he thought the conditions on the pitch were not up to scratch but he was glad the game had gone ahead.

"I wasn't overly happy with the pitch, one of the worst pitches I have ever seen, but we travelled," said Lennon.

"The referee did say that if it rained he would call it off but I didn't really fancy coming back so thankfully the game went ahead.

"The pitch was a huge problem with how the game panned out. The pitch is a leveller, they played very well, this is their big day."

Championship strugglers Bolton equalised through captain Darren Pratley in the 87th minute after Dorian Dervite put the ball into his own net earlier in the second half.

The Spitfires could have snatched a winner but for saves by Bolton goal-keeper Ben Amos. Manager Chris Todd said he was disappointed his side faced a replay at the Macron Stadium and could not force a winner.

"They should be very proud of themselves today because the performance was outstanding in my opinion. It's been a very special day for the football club today, topped off by the football players on the pitch," Todd said.

"We are disappointed because we should have probably won but you can't take anything away, it's been a great day. We have come a very long way as a team and regardless of what position they are, they are three divisions above us.