The boot is firmly on the other foot, according to Sam Wedgbury, as Macclesfield prepare for the FA Cup third-round visit of Bolton.

After seeing off underdogs in the form of East Thurrock in and, at the second attempt, Chelmsford City, Macc now assume that mantle against the Premier League’s basement side, with a maiden fourth-round appearance up for grabs.

"Bolton is a great opportunity for us which we don’t want to waste," insisted midfielder Wedgbury. "They are there for the taking. They wouldn’t want to come to Moss Rose, they are used to places like Anfield and Old Trafford and that could be a big advantage for us.

"They will be out of their comfort zone and not used to the environment. It will be intimidating, there will be a big crowd and there is no reason we can’t get at them."

The 22-year-old, an ever-present in the Silkmen’s FA Cup adventure so far, says that the performances of the two Essex sides should give Macc a confidence boost against Owen Coyle’s side, who were behind to an Emile Sinclair goal for most of August’s Carling Cup tie.

"We are going into this one like East Thurrock and Chelmsford were against us," he added. "It is a one-off game and anything is possible. If we get our work ethic right, we can get a positive result.

"Our pitch isn’t fantastic, it won’t be like they are used to and we can be more than a match for them.

"You want to prove yourselves against internationals and have a go, and then you never know. They may be talented but we’re hard working and sometimes that can overcome talent."

Macc warmed up for the tie with their heaviest loss of the season, but Wedgbury says it will have little bearing on Bolton, adding: "The Accy result has hurt us and it will take a few days to get over but then we should have a few players back for Bolton.

"Their two goals killed us as they took their chances and we didn’t. We felt Accrington were there for the taking and 4-0 did flatter them. But now Bolton is massive for us, and we aren’t under any pressure."