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Wanderers can win it their way – even if that means every fingernail at the University of Bolton Stadium is bitten down to the quick.
Josh Sheehan says players have picked up on the nervousness which echoed around the ground on Saturday as Bolton’s methodical build-up had some supporters screaming for a more direct or high tempo approach.
Dominating possession has become a hallmark of Ian Evatt’s side, and the Whites boss says “suffocating” teams like Shrewsbury Town is a deliberate ploy that led to several presentable second-half chances.
Accrington’s need for points in their relegation battle means they are unlikely to camp inside their own penalty box in the same way – but Sheehan insists the gameplan can still work.
“Sometimes we can sense the mood and sometimes we are just as frustrated,” he told The Bolton News. “But we also know the principles we get from the management, and we know sometimes we have to be patient, keep moving the ball, and the chances will come.
“We can’t really let it affect us because we know what we are good at, keeping the ball and being patient. You can’t defend for that long, so come 60,70, 80 minutes you know you are going to get a chance.
“We are not built to be a physical team – we can’t kick it in there and get seconds, we’re built to keep playing around the box and waiting for that opportunity to arrive.”
All tension aside, Sheehan says it is a major advantage playing the next two games at home knowing two wins would guarantee a place in the top six.
“Playing at home with our crowd, we know it benefits us,” he said. “And when we are on top the place erupts, almost, and that has a real effect on you.
“We genuinely believe in what we do and if we stick to it, it will get results.
“This is why we play football. You want to play with the pressure, you want the games that matter.”
Wanderers beat Accrington in the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final to set up a memorable day at Wembley against Plymouth Argyle, and returning to the capital is now the driving force for Sheehan and the team in the coming weeks.
“We all want the pressure, we are thriving on it, and we all want to get back to Wembley, that’s the big goal,” he said.
“It was special playing there and winning like that no so long ago. It was definitely one of the best days I have had. So with pressure, you either rise to it or you don’t, and I feel like we have the capability to win the big games.”
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