Wanderers take on Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium this evening, looking to go four games unbeaten in all competitions.
The Whites head into this one having welcomed Stephen Crainey’s men to the University of Bolton Stadium just seven days ago in the Papa John’s Trophy Second Round clash. Ian Evatt’s men went on to win 1-0 on the night, with Kieran Lee notching his fifth goal for the season in all competitions.
Pre-match quotes: From the bosses
Ian Evatt: “It will be a tough game. They will certainly be a wounded animal after Saturday.”
“No-one likes to go down to 10 men so early and have a defeat like that. They will be coming out fighting.
“I know Stephen very well. He will have them highly motivated and we have to match that and do our best to win the game.”
Stephen Crainey: “We conceded some sloppy goals but there is no point dwelling on it, we have to quickly move on, dust ourselves off and focus on Tuesday - the red card is a big turning point but as I said there was a few decisions like us potentially having a penalty, but it was just one of those days.
“I felt we had some good periods. I have to give a special mention to Cian Hayes making his first full debut where we also have some really good young players where I’m fully aware of their ability and it’s something the club can look forward to the youngsters coming through.
“The work ethic this team has shown since I’ve come in has been really positive, they give me everything in training and there’s a balance between youth and senior players who all get along. We have to take things day by day and keep together so that we can focus on the next game.”
Team news
There was a bit of positive news on the injury front from manager Ian Evatt in his pre-match press conference, as he revealed MJ Williams and Harry Brockbank returned to training this week. However, it appears both aren’t quite ready for tonight’s league clash.
“MJ joined in training today, which is great,” said Evatt.
“He’s just seeing how his shoulder feels and seeing if we can build some confidence in that.
“He came through fine, which is good news.
“He won’t be available for tomorrow but certainly could be for Saturday.”
“Harry Brockbank returns to training on Thursday, which is also good.”
Tickets and Travel
We will have a sold out away end for this evening’s trip to the Fylde coast, as 1,100 supporters are set to make the journey to Highbury Stadium.
For anyone making the journey up to watch Ian Evatt’s side tonight, a supporters guide has been provided by our opponents to show what is available for the travelling support. Click HERE for more information.
But if you can’t be there, you can still watch the game live via a stream from iFollow BWFC for £10, with video match passes available to purchase by clicking here.
Last time out
Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Fleetwood Town | Tuesday 30 November 2021
A Kieran Lee goal was enough to take Wanderers into the last 16 of the Papa John’s Trophy as they finished the month as they started.
Victory at Rochdale in their final group game of the competition kick-started a November revival for Ian Evatt’s men who lost just two of their eight games in a hectic run.
They didn’t hit any great heights against a very youthful Fleetwood side but did what was required to maintain an interest in a competition they can now park until the new year.
And the possibility of a run to Wembley also remains if Wanderers can get players back fit and potentially add to their squad in the January transfer window to try and keep firing on two fronts.
Line-Up: Dixon; Aimson, Baptiste, Johnston; Gordon, Lee (Pettifer 70), Thomason, John (Delfouneso 70); Amaechi (Henry 84), Doyle (Kachunga 70), Afolayan (Tweedley 84).
Unused subs: Gilks.
Match Officials for this evening
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistant Referees: Chris Isherwood and Gary Hilton
Fourth Official: Kevin Mulraine