‘We ev to make this a top day for trotters’

IAN EVATT hopes his side will produce an FA Cup upset against Luton to honour a life-long supporter who died at the weekend.

Saturday’s League One clash with Cheltenham Town was abandoned after season-ticket holder Iain Purslow collapsed in the first half.

Medics administered CPR in the stand but the 71-year-old, from Oldham, later died in hospital.

Bolton are planning a tribute before kick-off but Evatt (above) believes his players can pay the ultimate honour by sealing a fourthround spot, where they will face either Crystal Palace or Everton.

The Wanderers boss said: “I can’t emphasise enough this isn’t about our players, only about that family and the hurt they are going through.

“They deserve respect, they deserve to mourn. We will do all we can to pay our respects and there is no better way to do that than performing well against Luton.

“Will we win the FA Cup? It is unlikely. But we have a responsibility to go out there and perform for Iain, for his family, as trying to win a football match is exactly what he would have wanted us to do as a devoted fan.”

Luton were denied a penalty after a second-half VAR review in a goalless first game at Kenilworth Road but it will not be in operation at Bolton’s Toughsheet Stadium.

Evatt insists his club – four-time cup winners – deserve a second shot, after an emotional few days.

“There won’t be any VAR and, to be honest, I am glad as a League One club I don’t have to sit here discussing it every week,” he said.

However, Luton boss Rob Edwards has promised to pick a team to win.

While Luton were held to a first-tie goalless draw at home, Edwards (above) will again make some changes coming off Friday’s 1-1 draw at Burnley. He promised he will field a strong team with an eye on the fourth round and a trip to either Crystal Palace or Everton.

He said: “We’ve the opportunity but we will select a side capable of winning and one which go into the game with the right mentality.”