EOIN Doyle has warned Wanderers to forget about the form book when they face Port Vale this weekend.

The two sides on show at the University of Bolton Stadium arrive in very different spirits – Ian Evatt’s Whites on the back of a five-game winning run, while John Askey’s Vale have lost their last five in the league.

But Doyle, who finished up on the losing side as a Swindon player against Saturday’s opponents last season, feels that while confidence is high at Bolton, it must not be allowed to lapse into disrespect.

“The thing with Port Vale is that they come away with results, they are always up there,” he told The Bolton News. “They are a tough, tough team, physical, they get among you and rough you up.

“Last season they had a big chance only for the PPG thing to go against them, so it’ll be a big game for us, no doubt about it.”

Vale were fifth on Halloween – the day Wanderers were humbled at Leyton Orient – but have since dropped into the bottom half of the table.

Doyle believes November was a turning point in Bolton’s season and he hopes to continue that momentum into the end of the year.

“Earlier in the season it didn’t pan out how we wanted but we have figured out our best way of playing now and it’s working,” he said.

“When you look back to the Salford game, they were a side that everyone was saying would be challenging at the top, but we won that one.

“We are confident now. We believe we are as good as anyone in this division and there’s no reason why we can’t get a result. We’re the ones with momentum, so let’s keep it going.”

Another important step in Wanderers’ revival has been the form of goalkeeper Matt Gilks, drafted in for the Salford victory at the expense of youngster Billy Crellin.

Even at the other end of the pitch, Doyle says the former Scotland international’s communication has been a big help as the team looks to bed down their new style of play.

“He comes off the pitch having lost his voice,” he said. “You’d think he’d been on karaoke for 90 minutes, not playing a football match.

“He has been great and another one who has that vast experience, so playing in front of him it really helps.”

One noise which will sadly not be heard at the UniBol for the time being is that of the supporters.

Although clubs based in tier two and below were able to open their turnstiles as of last night to restricted attendances, Wanderers will have to wait a little longer until the town is given the all-clear and downgraded at Government level.

The club has yet to comment on how it will decide which of the 8,000-plus season ticket holders would be allowed to watch in the event crowds are 2,000-4,000 are granted in the future.

But Doyle cannot wait to get the backing of the Bolton supporters live for the first time.

“We are missing the fans and I do think we’re at a disadvantage as well,” he said. “Away teams come into this great big stadium to play and it’s great for them. “For us it doesn’t help. We are desperate to get them back, even if it’s to criticise us because it might give us the kick up the a*** we need sometimes when we are out there.”