Dapo Afolayan reckons Wanderers’ points tally is proof of the progress they have made since last season.

Ian Evatt’s men are currently fifth in the League One table – only behind fourth-place Peterborough on goal difference despite having played a game fewer.

Afolayan scored a dramatic late winner at Fleetwood at the weekend as the Whites came from behind yet again.

The versatile attacker believes Wanderers have become a tougher nut to crack this season as they aim to consolidate their place in the top six.

“You look at last season and I think some of our performances were excellent, but our league position didn’t necessarily reflect it,” he said.

“This time - even when we have been inconsistent, indifferent, or had a drop off - we have managed to stay in games and pick up results at the end, keep things at 0-0.

“It shows the mentality you need. Go into a game trying to win it but if you can’t, then we try our best not to get beat.”

Evatt’s men have taken seven points from their trips to Accrington, Cambridge and Fleetwood – a big improvement on last season.

When asked about their improvement on the road, Afolayan added: “I don’t think a lot has changed.

“We have gone out and tried to perform in the way we thought would win the game and each team is different, tries to do different things.

“Sometimes they have won the tactical battle against us and you can hold your hands up, because that is football. We are not going to be the first team who are favourites to win a game somewhere to go and lose it. 

“We have to keep it all in mind. At places like this it is sometimes about staying in a game, making sure you don’t lose it and then trying to make sure your quality comes through towards the end.

“I think we did get better. Confidence improved and once we get into that groove, I don’t think there are many sides who can stop us.”

Kieran Sadlier and Josh Sheehan both set up goals after coming off the bench at Highbury, and Afolayan has also found himself out of the starting line-up at times this season.

“There is no hiding the quality in this squad,” he explained. “There are 24 good players in the squad, no mugs in any respect.

“Whether you are playing or you are not playing, it is key to remember that – quality will shine through.”

The Whites are back in action tomorrow night when they welcome Barrow to the UniBol in the Papa Johns Trophy (KO 7:45pm).

However, their next fixture in League One isn’t until Friday, December 2 when they take on Bristol Rovers.

“It is great when you have a break in the league to end things on a positive note,” Afolayan added. “Whether it is league or cup, we want to take every game seriously.

“We go into Tuesday night knowing there’s something at stake, a place in the next round of that competition, we’re playing for a chance to go to Wembley.

“For any player, any kid that grows up here that’s a dream, so we will be taking the whole thing very seriously.”