MANAGER: We have to keep it going

A haul of four points from six available from two of the division’s fancied teams last week is a reflection of the confidence that’s building within the squad.

But, down to earth as ever, manager Paul Simpson called for more of the same as he looks for the consistency life at this level demands.

“You have to have that because next weekend, when we’re at home against Orient, there are a lot of teams who won’t be playing, the same as it was for the last international weekend, and there maybe won’t be 20-odd thousand fans there,” he said.

“I’m sure there’ll be a good crowd, I’d like to think that everybody who came to Bolton will be there, but when it’s not the hype that goes with playing a team at the top of the table it can feel different.

“We found it tough against Orient last season, so we have to do it properly. If we can do it right at home then it makes it an even bigger three points that we took at the weekend.”

“But we can tell that the confidence is there with the number of chances created,” he added. “We created some really good opportunities.

“The players have a good understanding of the shape we want to play. The wide players are joining in when they can, the midfielders are getting forward as well, and they’re getting shots off from the edge of the box.

“I thought the set plays were ok in terms of the delivery, but we just couldn’t quite get anyone on the end of them.

“There were a lot of good things and you don’t come to a place like Bolton and win 3-1 if there’s been things wrong. It’s good, but we have to make sure it’s good next week and the week after as well.”

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