Wanderers had to settle for a point following a goalless draw against Morecambe at the Mazuma Stadium.

The Whites’ best chances fell to Shola Shoretire and Josh Sheehan, but Connor Ripley made a couple of important stops.

Jensen Weir had a decent opportunity at the other end but was denied by James Trafford low to his right.

Shoretire conundrum

With Victor Adeboyejo and Cameron Jerome both absent from the squad, Evatt opted to play Shoretire up front alongside Dion Charles.

The Manchester United loanee had a big chance in the first half but was denied by a smart stop by Connor Ripley.

There has been plenty of debate among supporters about how to get the best out of Shoretire, who has shown some promising signs in the number 10 role since his arrival at the UniBol.

Kyle Dempsey played in that position against the Shrimps, causing the backline a few problems with his direct running during the first half.

Leading by example

Skipper Ricardo Santos impressed at the heart of defence, making a couple of vital interceptions and winning plenty of aerial battles.

The towering centre-back played an important role as the Whites kept an 18th league clean sheet of the campaign.

Manchester City loanee Luke Mbete returned to the side after he was an unused substitute against Portsmouth in midweek.

There is plenty of competition for places, with Gethin Jones missing out at the Mazuma Stadium and George Johnston also making progress in his recovery.

Promotion race hotting up

Despite failing to secure the victory, Wanderers remain fourth in the League One table after several results went their way.

Derby are two points behind following a 2-2 draw against Shrewsbury, although the Rams have a couple of games in hand.

Barnsley were held to a goalless draw at Bristol Rovers but have played four games fewer than Bolton at this stage.

However, the gap to the automatic promotion spots is up to eight points after Plymouth overcame Charlton at Home Park.

Chance to reset

After a hugely demanding period, Wanderers now have a week to recover and prepare for their upcoming clash with Ipswich.

The Whites seem to have suffered from physical and mental fatigue over the past few matches, which is hardly surprising given the emotion of the Accrington semi-final.

Evatt will relish the chance to get some extra time on the training pitch ahead of tough tests against two of the current top three.

The Bolton boss will also be hoping to get more bodies back available heading into the business end of the campaign.