HARRY Kewell is hoping for a repeat performance when Oldham host Bolton tonight – in more ways than one.

The Australian saw his side come from 1-0 down to win 3-1 at Carlisle on Saturday as they bounced back from one of their poorest displays of the season in defeat against Barrow at Boundary Park.

Kewell’s first league win as Latics boss came at the University of Bolton Stadium in October, a result that lifted his side off the foot of the early League Two table.

More of the same is on his agenda this evening, not that Kewell is underestimating Ian Evatt’s Wanderers, whose fine run of form has taken them into the play-off spots after a poor start of their own.

“He’s gone through hell and back because there’s a lot of expectations on Bolton and it’s the same here,” the Latics boss said.

“He’s trying to play the right way. I know people may say, ‘oh just get it up there’ and all that, but you can see in his last few results he’s started to put a run together.

“They’re coming here having won five games in a row and will be flying high.

“He’s in a strong position now and he’s going want to keep that consistency up there.

“We’ve had a little bit of inconsistency but we’re coming off a good win and I feel tomorrow night is going to be a good footballing game, an exciting game.”

Zak Dearnley celebrates his winner back in October. Picture: Eddie Garvey

Zak Dearnley celebrates his winner back in October. Picture: Eddie Garvey

In terms of the previous meeting, Dearnley striking deep into stoppage time for a 2-1 Oldham win, Kewell believes the sides were evenly matched and is expecting the same again.

“I don’t think there was too much between the teams when we played them, I felt in terms of chances we may have had one or two more, possession wise they may have had that little bit more,” he said.

“It was a good game to watch and let’s just hope we can get that kind of performance again.”

Dylan Bahamboula is Oldham’s man of the moment after another fine strike in the win at Carlisle on Saturday, the Congo international one of the most exciting players in League Two at the moment.

Breightmet’s former Bury favourite Nicky Adams has been a key figure for Kewell since his arrival from Northampton in January, playing in an unfamiliar right back role.

Former Wanderers skipper David Wheater however remains exiled by the club and has not appeared this season.

The defender has been at odds with the Oldham hierarchy since the summer over proposed pay cuts brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.