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Phil Parkinson's Bolton had won just once in 19 matches and were on a winless run of 13 games before the win against Rotherham

Bolton Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson says beating Rotherham United was a result of not letting their heads drop during their 13-game winless run.

The hosts had been without a league win since September but earned a vital three points after Sammy Ameobi and Gary O'Neil scored either side of Will Vaulks' leveller.

"We needed it. It's been a tough period but not once we've started feeling sorry for ourselves," Parkinson told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We've stressed that to the lads and unfortunately we've got to keep going."

Bolton led when Ameobi's low shot beat Millers keeper Marek Rodak but the visitors equalised soon after when Vaulks headed home from Joe Newell's free-kick.

Parkinson's side sealed the win midway through the second half when Clayton Donaldson teed up O'Neil to finish from 10 yards.

"I'm so pleased. It's been a tough run for that win to come but we've never let our heads drop," Parkinson continued.

"It's a very tough league we're in, we know that, and we've dug deep to get the result and I'm very pleased with the manner of it."

The result means Bolton are now just a point from safety and move up a place to 22nd, while Rotherham are just above them in 21st.

Going into the game, Bolton had won once in 19 matches, with their most recent victory coming against Derby in September.

The visitors, who had not won themselves in seven games coming into the fixture, could not find a response to O'Neil's winner as Bolton held on.

Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson:

"It's been a tough run waiting for this win to come. And we needed it.

"But we have never let our heads drop or started to feel sorry for ourselves and we got our rewards in a tough game.

"We just needed the three points to give everyone a lift. It was edgy at times because everyone knew the importance of the game with Rotherham being in the mini league with us at the bottom.

"I'm pleased for the lads but also pleased for the supporters because they have stuck with us. They were great and really got behind the team."

Rotherham United boss Paul Warne:

"Did we do enough to win the match? I am not sure. I don't think we deserved to lose.

"I couldn't see us losing. But unfortunately we are conceding goals which is something we need to look at.

"We have all got to try and get better because we want to win football matches. But the effort is unquestionable."