Home Park will bring back a painful memory from last season for many supporters, but Ian Evatt reckons his side has come a long way since that night.

The Whites suffered a convincing 3-0 defeat in the pouring rain after making the long journey to Plymouth last term.

Seven players from the squad that day are no longer on the books, while many new faces arrived in January and over the summer.

Evatt is aiming for a more positive outcome this time around and challenged his players to continue to put in the hard yards.

“That is the biggest thing I can take – we have changed improved and evolved from that night,” said the Bolton chief.

“There was lots of things happening at that time. We were on a really bad run and we had loads of injuries.

“Obviously, there were exits happening at that time as well which made things complicated and more difficult. It is something that we want to improve on and we know it is a difficult place to go.

“Historically, it has always been tough. I played there a good few times myself and I don’t think I have ever found it easy, it is always difficult.

“But we have to take our home form into the away games and have that same physical performance and run the same.

“It is great that in the last few weeks in the Premier League it has been highlighted about physical performance because there is a direct correlation. If you run more, you have got a better chance of winning – it’s as simple as that.”

Plymouth have made a strong start to the new season, winning three of their opening five League One matches.

When asked what he is expecting from the Pilgrims, Evatt added: “Slight tweaks.

“Pretty much 3-5-2 last season, I think they are more 3-4-3 this season with kind of a boxed midfield, so it is how we cope and deal with that.

“But they are a good team. Everyone is well coached now. They are well coached, they are no different and it is always a good test down there.  We are looking forward to it.”

The long journey to Home Park is hardly ideal on the back of two big home matches, but Wanderers opted to split the trip into two parts including a training session in Bristol.

“We spoke last week about the fine margins and one per cents, and this helps us immensely,” the manager explained.

“It has a huge impact, splitting the journey up and being able to train down there on the Friday. It helps things no end.

“These things aren’t cheap, so thanks to the board and Sharon [Brittan] for allowing us to do that.”