Wanderers are back in action this evening with a Papa John’s Trophy Group Stage fixture against Sky Bet League Two side Port Vale at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Ian Evatt’s men will be looking to respond after suffering their first league defeat of the season at Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon.
Wanderers are unbeaten at the University of Bolton Stadium since a defeat to Exeter City at the start of May and will be looking to continue that run during the next week or so, with a home doubleheader against Vale and Burton Albion.
Vale registered an impressive victory on the road against Sky Bet League Two high-flyers Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn; Jamie Proctor’s brace securing three points for Darrell Clarke’s side.
Losing on the opening day of the season at Northampton Town, Vale are now four games unbeaten and it is a run that includes three draws, one victory, and an impressive three clean sheets.
Pre-match quotes: From the boss
Ian Evatt: "It'll be a competitive game. Port Vale are a difficult team to play against. They're physical, strong and direct at times. They put you under pressure, so we need to stand up to it and be better than we were on Saturday."
Team News:
In his pre-match press conference, manager Ian Evatt hinted at fielding a strong starting eleven to take on Sky Bet League Two outfit Port Vale this evening, with the added rest between tonight and next Monday’s televised clash with Burton Albion likely a factor.
Elias Kachunga may get the nod to lead the line as he did for an hour or so last week at Wigan Athletic, whilst Kieran Lee looks set to miss out with a slight groin injury picked up in training last Friday.
Tickets and Travel
Supporters will be able to pay on the turnstiles for Wanderers' Papa John’s Trophy fixture against Port Vale tonight.
Kicking off at 7pm at the University of Bolton Stadium, admission can be found at the following turnstiles:
- Nat Lofthouse East Stand Lower - Blocks K and J (for entry to Blocks I and L)
Visiting Port Vale supporters will be able to purchase tickets from the turnstiles at Block E of the Franking Sense South Stand.
Tickets will be sold on a cash-only basis from 5.45pm onwards, while prices for the fixture are as follows:
Adults - £10
Over 65’s - £5
Under 18’s - £5
To avoid the queues on match day the easiest way to purchase will always be online at via the Clubs Ticketing Platform HERE.
COVID Protocols
The club want to reassure everybody that your safety and well-being and that of our colleagues is of paramount importance.
We, therefore, encourage supporters attending this fixture to take a lateral flow test during the 24-48 hour period leading up to this game.
Details on ordering a lateral flow test can be found at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
If the test is positive then you should follow the guidance issued by the Government, arrange a PCR Test and self-isolate.
Please do not visit the University of Bolton Stadium if you display any of the published COVID-19 symptoms.
There will be plenty of hand sanitizers throughout the stadium and we advise you to frequently wash your hands.
Also please aim to stay in your seat throughout the match and endeavour not to congregate in the concourse areas should you wish to purchase refreshments from the kiosks.
Although the wearing of facemasks is no longer mandatory we would encourage everyone to wear a mask while in the concourse or visiting the toilets.
Last Time Out
Wanderers continued their fine run of form with a hard-fought victory against Port Vale at Vale Park. The win stretched the team's unbeaten run to eleven games.
Gethin Jones struck in the second half after latching onto Dapo Afolayan's low cross to fire a shot past Scott Brown.
One negative occurrence during the game was Antoni Sarcevic hobbling off with an injury which would keep him out of action for 5 weeks.
Port Vale 0-1 Bolton Wanderers | Saturday 13 March 2021
Line-Up: Gilks, Jones, Almeida Santos, Baptiste, John, Williams, Lee, Sarcevic (Isgrove 26), Afolayan (Gnahoua 64), Delfouneso, Doyle (Elbouzedi 81).
Unused Subs: Brockbank, Tutte, Thomason, Miller.
Match Officials:
Referee: Scott Oldham
Assistants: Grant Taylor and Gary Hilton
Fourth Official: Garreth Rhodes