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Wanderers reclaim one of their games in hand in the automatic promotion race tonight – and Ian Evatt has urged them to “make it count”.
With Derby County and Portsmouth both inactive, Bolton can climb back into the top two with a win at the Abbey Stadium.
Not a ground that has been especially kind to Evatt in his three visits as manager – two draws and a defeat his record overall – he is confident his side can take the confidence they finished with against Barnsley and earn a victory on the road.
Asked if he ‘owed Cambridge one’ after a couple of close and controversial games in the past, he said: “We owe them more than one, I think.
“I think we know what we are walking into and it won’t be easy.
“This is one of those extra games that we need to make count, put ourselves in a really strong position. The point on Saturday is decent enough, provided we take all three at Cambridge. That is our aim.
“Now is the time. Full stop. There are 18 games left, three months of the season, if that, and we have to make it happen. Out of all the teams in this league we’re in the strongest position. It is in our hands and that is what we all wanted, so it is down to us.”
Neil Harris was appointed as Cambridge boss in December and has led them steadily into mid table ever since.
The former Millwall and Gillingham boss has ex-Bolton striker Elias Kachunga within his ranks and Evatt praised the job he has done so far.
“Neil is an experienced guy, a good guy, and a football man,” he said, “He has done well, they had a good result on Saturday and they have some good experience through the spine of the side. We know all about Kacha (Elias Kachunga) and we think the world of him.
“Everyone remembers last season, what he did at Wembley, and he was a very big part of our journey.
“But we know that Cambridge is always a tough game and this will be no different.”
Evatt also feels that despite debate over the weekend’s performance against Barnsley his side has improved their adaptability, especially away from home.
“I do think we carry a fear factor and we can do damage in different ways,” he said. “We have adapted a little bit and we can not only kill you with the ball but also find other ways to win football matches.”
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