Wanderers might have been drawn away at Accrington Stanley in the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final – but Ian Evatt believes it can still feel like a home game.

The last hurdle on the way to Wembley will be a Lancashire derby on a pitch where Bolton have already triumphed once this season.

Kieran Lee and Dapo Afolayan completed a stunning turnaround back in October, giving the Whites their first-ever victory on Stanley soil. Another one in February will mean an April 2 cup final against either Plymouth Argyle or Cheltenham Town.

Official allocations have not yet been announced but the league game provided 2,607 tickets (1,490 terrace and 1,117 seated). And Evatt is confident there will be a strong contingent of Bolton supporters on the night.

“To get to cup finals and win competitions, sometimes you’ll have to win away from home,” he said.

“I am delighted it is not a long journey, it is just down the road, and to be honest I think our pitch could do with the breather.

“It isn’t the worst draw in the world and I know our fans will travel in their thousands. It will almost be a 50-50 crowd anyway.

“We are looking forward to that game but, for now, we have got some business to take care of in the league.

“I said to the players that we can enjoy the Portsmouth result, winning games is always difficult, but our focus has to switch quickly to the weekend and Derby.

“Every victory is great but it only counts for three points and we have to have that next game mentality and mindset. Smile and enjoy it now, but get ready for a big game next week.”

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