Ian Evatt insists ‘play-off positive’ must be the Wanderers’ mindset as they prepare for a prolonged promotion push, writes Pete Oliver.
The Whites ended their regular home campaign with a 2-0 win over relegated Port Vale as Aaron Collins and Cameron Jerome finally got the goals the Whites deserved.
A 15th home league win of the season means Wanderers could still go up on the final day with a win at Peterborough United.
With second-placed Derby three points and four goals better off, the second promotion spot is likely to go the Rams, who sign off at home to bottom club Carlisle United.
But Evatt is setting his sights on planning a successful a play-off bid and not thinking what might have been.
“It is important that we've progressed this year and to get to 86 points with one game left and to have won more games and lost less than last year there are some positives, even though there are a lot of frustrations as well,” said the Wanderers’ boss.
“I think we all feel we could have done more but that has to go now. We have to forget it and we have to focus on what's in front of us and what's in front of us is Peterborough and potentially three play-off games and that's where everybody's focus needs to be.
“We just have to keep going and keep striving for more. For us now the focus is really important and keep everything positive moving forward.
“What's done is done, as annoying or frustrating as it probably is, and the only way we're going to achieve anything is if everyone's pulling in the same direction and now we just need focus and positivity.”
Wanderers go into their final game on the back of a run of just one defeat in 11 matches after beating Vale to confirm their relegation.
Evatt’s men could have won by far more but deservedly picked up three points which means a win at Peterborough next week will guarantee third place in the League One table.
“The game looked very similar to what we’ve seen of late and many times this season. We had a lot of the ball and a lot of opportunities,” added Evatt.
“With hitting the post twice and hitting the bar you just think it's not our day again. But to be honest we stayed patient and Aaron came up with a really good goal and it was great to add to it with a bit of magic from Paris and a good finish from Cameron.
“I'm pleased with the performance. That's the most important thing for me, that we are playing well. It was important that we won today to carry some momentum forward.
“We got the job done. Unfortunately for us results haven't gone our way elsewhere but that's football. We just have to re-group and get ready for next week.
“The most important thing is that we have a home play-off second leg which is huge for us because this place is a really good place for us to play football and the fans are a big help with that.”
Watch the manager’s full post-match interview on Wanderers TV HERE