Ian Evatt has called for one “last big push” as Wanderers battle to break into the automatic promotion spots.

The Whites moved within a point of second-place Derby thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers at the weekend.

Bolton now have three successive games at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, starting with the visit of leaders Portsmouth on Saturday.

“We don’t lack belief,” Evatt told The Bolton News. “Sometimes we have to take some criticism and we have done so at times this year, but I do think we have had to go against a lot of adversity.

“These lads just keep digging, fighting and they love playing for this football club. I love being the manager of this football club and we will keep striving for better.

“That is all we can do. We know what is required and four games, it is the last big push.”

The Rams had no fixture over the weekend but are back in action on Wednesday night when they head to Wycombe.

Paul Warne’s side also have to face Leyton Orient, Cambridge and Carlisle before the end of the campaign.

Aaron Morley came off the bench at the Memorial Stadium and wrapped up the result in stoppage time with a ruthless penalty.

“He is a really good technician and good penalty taker,” Evatt continued. “We were really calm when he got the penalty because we know what he can do from dead balls.”

Nat Ogbeta has become a regular starter at left wing-back since his loan switch from Swansea in January.

“He gets really fatigued second half - he puts so much into it,” the manager explained.

“Fingers crossed, that fitness level will increase over time because he hasn’t played for so long. But he has not let anybody down and it was another good performance.”