Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt remains cautious in his approach despite Portsmouth’s recent stumble at the top of League One. Portsmouth suffered a 2-1 defeat against Cheltenham Town, allowing Bolton to close the gap to just two points, with Wanderers having played two games less. The upcoming match against the improving Cheltenham poses an opportunity for Bolton to surpass Portsmouth in the standings, but Evatt emphasizes the need to focus on their own performances.
Evatt is keen on not underestimating the midweek fixture against League Two side Accrington Stanley in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. He stresses the importance of not overlooking any opponents and urges his players to maintain concentration on their own business. The mindset is to approach each game with an attacking mentality, starting with the Accrington away match.
Despite the fixtures piling up for Bolton, particularly with a replay against Luton Town scheduled for the week commencing January 15, Evatt is not complaining. He sees the competition as financially rewarding for the club and an opportunity to generate much-needed revenue. The Bolton boss hopes for strong support from fans, aiming to fill the Toughsheet Stadium and create an intimidating atmosphere similar to what Luton fans provided for them.
Reflecting on their recent performance against Luton, where Bolton became only the second team this season to prevent Luton from scoring at home, Evatt praises his team’s character. He commends their defensive efforts, highlighting the hard work, blocking, and tackling that contributed to earning a replay. Evatt expresses positivity and believes the experience against a strong opponent like Luton should be taken as a learning opportunity.
Moving away from Bolton, Portsmouth boss John Mousinho acknowledges Gavin Whyte’s performance against Cheltenham as a positive development. Despite Portsmouth’s 2-1 loss, Mousinho sees Whyte’s outing as one of the sharpest performances since his switch from Cardiff. Whyte, who started in the attacking midfielder role, displayed sharpness, threat, and flexibility during the match. Mousinho believes that this performance can spark Whyte’s form for the rest of the season, providing a positive outlook amid the disappointing result against Cheltenham.
Mousinho acknowledges the challenges Whyte has faced in his maiden season with Portsmouth but remains optimistic about the player’s potential. He emphasizes the importance of results but notes that Whyte’s improved performance is a step in the right direction. The Portsmouth head coach expresses confidence that, with continued support and opportunities, Whyte can showcase his capabilities and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
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