Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has discussed the League One promotion race with Derby County heading into the final two games of the season.
The League One promotion race continues to take twists and turns heading into the final straight. Portsmouth have already sealed their place in the Championship, following jubilant scenes at Fratton Park against Barnsley.
It leaves just one spot left for an automatic push to the second tier, while those who miss out will have to venture through the chaos of the play-offs.
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Derby County held the advantage after their win over Leyton Orient, but their four-point gap could have been cut to just one in midweek with Bolton Wanderers’ game in hand. Ian Evatt’s side faced Shrewsbury Town, which was far from an easy tie.
It showed in the end, as the home side could only manage a 2-2 draw, meaning the gap now sits at three points with two games to go. Just four points in the final two games will seal promotion for Paul Warne, with the finish line now in sight.
Ian Evatt promotion claim
Following his side’s draw, Ian Evatt appeared to resign his team to competing in the play-offs, unless something special happens for them. Speaking after the clash with Shrewsbury, he said, via Bolton News: “Anything is possible but we have to be realistic, Derby have a fantastic chance of sealing the deal on Saturday.
“It is another game we should have won and that is the frustrating part. We have to get ready for two more league games now and then the play-offs. We need momentum and I think, generally, the players are in pretty good form, we are just losing out on moments.
“I understand the frustration and disappointment, there is no-one more disappointed than me, but we have to let it go really quickly. For us to have any chance of winning the play-offs we need absolutely everyone positive. We need to have a go at what is left.”
Derby County promotion outlook
So with two games to go, it’s in Derby’s hands to go out and seal promotion back to the Championship. The Rams need four points to seal the deal, with clashes against Cambridge United away and Carlisle United at home seeing out the season.
Bolton are still in touching distance, with three points the current gap between second and third and only a slightly inferior goal difference. It means any slip-up from Warne’s side next time out could be costly heading into the final game.
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Bolton’s final two games are against Port Vale, who are fighting to remain in the division, and Peterborough United. The Posh themselves could have a big say in proceedings, whether they are involved or not.
Darren Ferguson’s side are six points behind second but with a game in hand. Away clashes at Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town precede that final-day match-up with Bolton, which may cause some chaos depending on the outlook.
While both teams are in with a shout of finishing second, it is now up to the Rams to get those final points to get across the finish line.
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