Bolton Wanderers still believe the automatic promotion race is within reach, despite a 10-point gap opening up with just 12 games remaining.
Midfielder Kyle Dempsey insists the deficit is not terminal, but accepts Wanderers must quickly rediscover a ruthless edge if they are to close ground on the top two.
Three consecutive draws have dulled momentum at a crucial stage of the season. The 2-2 stalemate against Blackpool was, in Dempsey’s words, a familiar story: control for long spells, chances created, but not enough end product.
Rather than dwell on league permutations, the midfielder has turned the focus inward.
“It has probably been the story of our season that we have given up too many chances, not been ruthless enough in front of goal.
“I don’t think it’s too late. You should learn but it is down to us, we have to be better.”
That self-assessment reflects a broader theme around Wanderers’ campaign. Performances have often suggested a side capable of mixing it with the division’s best, yet the margins in both boxes have repeatedly proved costly.
Dempsey acknowledged the frustration of finding themselves behind against Blackpool despite long periods of dominance, but he was equally clear that excuses are wearing thin.
“We can’t keep on not taking chances when we are on top in games over and over again.
“It’s disappointing being so close to the autos but also finding ourselves drifting away a bit. The only answer is to start putting wins on the board as quickly as possible.”
With an away trip to Exeter next, and rivals facing their own tests, Wanderers know the window for error is narrowing. Even maintaining an unbeaten run may not be enough if victories are not stacked together.
There remains belief inside the dressing room, though. Dempsey pointed to character shown in extending the unbeaten sequence and stressed the importance of internal focus rather than scoreboard watching.
“We have said among ourselves that we have to focus on what we are doing, forget about the rest of them.
“It will feel better if we can put that win on the board again. I’m confident about that.”
He also moved quickly to protect goalkeeper Jack Bonham following the error that led to Blackpool’s second goal, underlining a collective responsibility for results rather than individual blame. Bonham did keep his side level at Lincoln with a string of saves, which could have made the situation even more dire.
Clear message
The messaging is clear: Wanderers do not see the race as finished. Yet belief alone will not bridge a 10-point gap. Nine unbeaten sounds impressive, but in a promotion chase, draws function like handbrakes.
Unless dominance is converted into clinical finishing immediately, the conversation will shift decisively toward securing the best possible play-off position rather than chasing the automatic places.
The next two or three fixtures may determine whether Dempsey’s optimism proves justified or simply hopeful.
