Ian Evatt hopes Wanderers can make the most of their strong away following against Accrington on Wednesday night.

The Whites sold out their allocation of 2,607 tickets for the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final tie in less than an hour.

The Bolton boss has called on the fans to create a strong atmosphere and give his side a boost as they aim to reach the Wembley final.

“Obviously, that is an advantage, providing that we are performing well. We have also seen that there is a huge expectation of this football club to get to this cup final,” he told The Bolton News.

“The fans will want it as much as anybody and if we don’t start the game well, I envisage there being some nerves around. I think there is going to be another 800 here (watching at the Bolton Stadium Hotel).

“It shows what it means to everybody. I just think it is really important that we create a positive atmosphere. I think the players thrive in that kind of atmosphere and environment.

“If we can do that and perform to the levels that I know we can get to, I think we have a great chance of getting to the final.”

Wanderers haven’t played in a cup final since their 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough in the League Cup back in 2004.

Evatt is eager to give the fans an occasion to look forward to – but refuses to look past John Coleman’s Accrington.

He added: “There is still 90 minutes to be played before we can start dreaming. We all know that this game throws up some weird and wonderful things.

“For us, now it is just about making sure that we show the best version of ourselves on Wednesday night.

“Hopefully, the fans will back us and fingers crossed we can do the business. But it is going to be a difficult game.”


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