Exeter assistant manager Kevin Nicholson wants the squad to use their 7-0 defeat at Wanderers earlier this season as motivation for Saturday’s clash at St James Park.

The Whites ran riot at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in November. Dion Charles bagged a brace, with Jack Iredale, Victor Adeboyejo, Paris Maghoma, Kyle Dempsey and Dan Nlundulu also getting on the scoresheet.

“It is up to us, as staff, to make sure the players are absolutely ready to go out there and give Bolton a good game,” said Nicholson.

“I am sure it will not be straightforward, it will be a game where we have to suffer at times and won’t have the ball at times. But what a great challenge and opportunity.”

When asked if they have a point to prove this time, he replied: “I hope so to a degree. It can’t be too emotional because that can cause silly mistakes and rash decisions, but it certainly needs to be a motivating factor.

“The lads need to show how far they have progressed in the three of four months since we last played Bolton.

“Can they go head-to-head with one of the best teams in the league? Can they out-think them, out-work them and out-play them?

“I am sure it will be a great game and there will be a good crowd. It is for us to show, as staff, that we have learnt lessons and, as players, that we have improved.”

The Grecians were beaten 2-1 by Peterborough last time out despite a positive performance at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Ahead of this weekend’s fixture, Exeter forward Sammy Cox has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

The Academy graduate has already racked up 51 senior appearances since making his debut in August 2022.

"We are absolutely delighted to get this done as Sonny is someone with massive potential,” said boss Gary Caldwell.

“We are always conscious of a young player's development so the loan move to Yeovil was the right thing for him, but we also brought him back from that loan at the right time given our circumstances in the first team.

"He has had a huge impact on the first team as he stepped up when he was needed and scored some important goals for us.

“His performances in that number nine role have been quality and offering the new deal is something that is testament to how he has performed this season."