LUKE Southwood is out to prove that Wanderers’ midweek defeat at Bristol Rovers was just a ‘bump in the road’.
The Bolton keeper believes the visit of play-off rivals Stockport County and the prospect of a bumper crowd at the Toughsheet Stadium should be plenty enough motivation to avoid any hangover from a disappointing night.
Wanderers will go above County for the first time this season with a win on Saturday lunchtime and Southwood feels there is no reason to dwell on a setback.
“We have got to remember we have been doing really well,” he said. “There’s a lot to be positive about at the moment, so we have to learn from what we could have done better but also just remind ourselves that we have been doing a lot of good stuff recently and go again.
“Of course there was disappointment, we felt we were more than good enough to get something out of the (Bristol Rovers) game, but you need to get rid of that frustration quickly and then be in a position from Thursday morning to concentrate on the next challenge, and Stockport.”
Bolton’s record against top six sides has improved in the last few months, with wins against Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town, plus a draw at Wrexham.
Their record against local teams under previous boss Ian Evatt was another bone of contention among supporters, with some particularly stinging results against County, Wigan, Blackpool and the like.
Against teams from a 50-mile radius of the Toughsheet, Wanderers had played 30 games in the league under his tutelage, winning 12, drawing six and losing 12.
Southwood believes the current mood within the squad will help them perform under high-pressure against a local rival.
“I think it will,” he said. “I think we've shown in recent weeks and since the gaffer came in that we rise to the occasion. And I think Saturday's probably the perfect game for us to do that again.
“We're playing against, obviously, a really good team and a team around us and we know it's a massive game. And I think that can bring the best out of us.”
Southwood has recently edged ahead of Nathan Baxter to claim a regular start under Steven Schumacher, which could bode well for his international chances with Northern Ireland later this month.
The 27-year-old, signed in the summer from Cheltenham Town, feels confident he can help Wanderers stay in the top six.
“I am loving it,” he said. “I'm absolutely really enjoying this run in the team and I feel like I've had a good impact.
“Hopefully, I can just be a big part of achieving our goals between now and the end of the season.”
