FA CUP: Wanderers Aim To Seize Second Chance

Ian Evatt is aiming to make the most of a second chance by leading Wanderers through in the FA Cup.

Evatt takes his side to Stockport County tonight (Wednesday) for a first-round replay following a 2-2 draw between the sides at the University of Bolton Stadium 10 days ago.

Wanderers conceded two poor goals against the National League side, who led and then came from behind to earn the right to take the Whites back to Edgeley Park.

And Evatt wants to avoid similar problems this time around as Wanderers aims to secure a second-round trip to League One rivals Rotherham United and try and launch a sustained run in the competition.

“We feel we should have won the first game. We didn’t. We thought that was our fault, more than anything else, with the mistakes we made. We have a chance to put it right on Wednesday night,” said the Bolton boss.

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“We were disappointed not to get the job done in the home game but we’ve got another chance, another crack at it.

“We go there having re-built some confidence and some momentum and we’re looking forward to it.

“I think we’ve lost one in five, which is good to stop the rot, and got an important three points in the league on Friday to build momentum into Wednesday and the league fixture at Wycombe on Saturday.

“We’re respectful of Stockport, the players they’ve got and what they’re doing as a football club but we have a firm belief in ourselves that if we perform to our levels and standards we think we should win the game.

“Cup runs are always good things for a number of reasons. Momentum and winning fixtures is never a bad thing and also the finances.

“Finances could play a huge part in helping us become sustainable and that’s what we want.

“There’s lots to play for, so hopefully we’ll go there and get the job done.”

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Both clubs will receive a welcome broadcast fee with the tie being screened live on BBC2 in front of a full house.

Over 10,000 are expected inside Edgeley Park, with close to 2,000 making the short trip with Wanderers.

And Evatt wants his players to rise to the occasion to avoid the prospect of a shock against a County side with promotion aspirations but currently sitting 11th in the table after being pegged back late on by Bromley in a draw on Saturday night.

“This is a one-off game so it’s hard to compare it to the league fixtures. They will be up for it, there’s no doubt about that,” added Evatt, who will give a late check to Eoin Doyle, one of the goalscorers from the first meeting but who missed Friday night’s win over Crewe with a calf problem.

“We saw the Stockport fans came here and made it a great atmosphere and we’re hoping our fans can go there and do the same and we give them something to cheer and sing about.

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“The fact it’s on national television is a great platform for the players to go and enjoy it, embrace it and show everybody what they can do.

“Cup ties are always exciting and I feel this one is going to be exciting and hopefully we’ll go there and give a good account of ourselves.

“They will be trying to get an upset. We are a big club at this stage of the competition but we are hopeful we can go there and perform to our capabilities and get the result we need to get through to the next round.

“We need to go there and be very professional and get the job done.”

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