Momentum can carry a team a long way — as Town striker Brett Pitman can testify from his experience in helping former club Bournemouth win the Championship crown last season.

Pitman, who netted for the fourth time since his summer switch from the south coast when he sealed the midweek 2-0 home win over Bolton, said: “I remember last season we were about 15th or 16th going into the October international break.

“But after that we went on an unbelievable run and by Christmas we were right up there. I think Ipswich went on a similar run at some point last season as well. If you can do it you can push right up the table quite quickly.

“Funnily enough the turning point was Bolton away when we won 2-1 with 10 men and after that we went on a good run. That sticks in my mind so hopefully it will be Bolton at home for Ipswich that might do the same.

“We had been playing alright but we didn’t get the results we should have done but after the game at Bolton we kicked right on and ended up going on a run of 14 games without losing.

“It’s nice going into games knowing you are on a good run of form and that the people next to you are going to be performing well. I think it gets the best out of every single player and hopefully we can get that here.”

Although Town’s run of just one win in 10 games prior to Tuesday’s success had seen them drop from second in the table to 14th place, such is the nature of the Championship that should they bank all three points at Rotherham this weekend — and other results go their way — they could find themselves just one point adrift of the top six.

Pitman added: “It’s probably a little bit early to be getting carried away with where you are in the league, with regards to how many points you are off away from the play-offs, but the main thing is to get up there and then make sure you stay there.

“You’re not going to win every game. Teams will have tough spells, as we have had recently, and when it happens you’ve just got to stick together and come through it. You can come out the other side stronger for it and hopefully that will apply to us.”

Photo: Action Images

Seasider added 14:05 - Nov 6 Should certainly like to emulate his former club,who lets face it don't have the ground at the moment to sustain Premiership football I fear. It would also be nice to play a bit more 'pass and move',take players on',and shoot on sight philosophy that Bournemouth had last year. Allied to our defensive qualities would surely help our quest for Premiership football;so lets make it one defeat in five games tomorrow with an attacking display to improve our poor goal difference.

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