Ian Evatt has opened up on the League One promotion race after Bolton Wanderers closed the gap to the automatic places.
Goals from Paris Maghoma and Carlos Mendes Gomes saw the Trotters beat Cambridge 2-1 United on Tuesday evening.
The win moves Bolton level on points with Derby County and six points behind Portsmouth, having played two games fewer.
Evatt makes ‘tough’ League One promotion admission
In his post-match press conference, the Bolton boss admitted his side face a challenging task as they chase down the top two.
“There was a lot of quality in there. It was a difficult surface, and they asked a lot of questions,” he told the Bolton News.
“The goal was disappointing and it was a huge deflection, which there is not a lot we could do about that. But there was something we could do about how it got there.
“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb, but we’d got into some really good areas first half, but the last decision, final pass, wasn’t there.
“We asked the player to ramp it up a bit more in the second half and they did it.
“We saw the importance of set piece goals again, and then there was a real moment of quality which won us the game.
Evatt on promotion race
On the League One promotion race, Evatt added: “These boys, the resilience, the character they show on a daily basis, I am incredibly proud of them.
“Being at the top end of divisions is incredibly challenging and high-pressure, especially with our high expectations. They keep finding a way.
“We needed to make a few changes to freshen it up and everyone has got to stay ready. This is tough, as tough as it gets for us.
“We have 14 games left. Is that right? They all seem to merge into one at the minute. But with 14 left we just have to reset and prepare for Blackpool away, which is a tough ask.”
Important weekend ahead
Saturday could be an important day in the League One promotion race.
Wanderers head to Blackpool, with the Seasiders boasting the third-best home record in the entire division, and in-form Barnsley host Derby County looking to close the gap to the top three.
On paper, Pompey’s trip to The Valley seems the most favourable, with John Mousinho’s men boasting the best away record in the division. However, after the arrival of Nathan Jones, Charlton have picked up in recent weeks, registering an impressive point against Bolton in their previous fixture.
With rivals playing each other, there’s a golden chance for Pompey to extend their lead at the top of the third tier.