Wanderers cannot afford to “sulk” after their unexpected midweek frustration against Accrington Stanley, says MJ Williams.

Defeat on Tuesday night puts even greater emphasis on victory in this weekend’s penultimate game against Fleetwood Town.

Williams believes there will be a positive response – and has called on the Bolton fans to stick with the squad as they try to cement a place in the top six.

"The gaffer just said now isn't the time to be sulking, really,” he said.

"We have to pick ourselves up and get ready for Saturday because that is another tough game, but we are capable of winning it.

"The pressure doesn't really affect me, being honest. This was a pressure game and we wanted to get the win that would have taken us five points clear of seventh spot and we didn't do it, but I think the lads are reacting well.

"The fans have been absolutely brilliant and I know it can be frustrating at times when we are passing it around, but it is for a purpose, not just for the sake of doing it. We have to stick together now because I'd much rather be in the position we are in.”

Defeat against Accrington was Bolton’s first since March 11, and made all the more exasperating for Williams by the number of missed chances which followed Ethan Hamilton’s first-half strike.

"It was disappointing,” he said. “We knew before the game that they were fighting for their lives to avoid relegation and the gaffer touched on it, we couldn't give them a leg up. From there it was really hard to break them down.

"I think we had a few chances we should have taken, especially the one immediately after their goal. If we get level there then I think we go on and win the game.

"We have to pick ourselves up now and get ready for Saturday.”

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