Bolton Wanderers head coach Steven Schumacher has hailed his team as ‘outstanding’ following their 3-1 win over League One leaders Birmingham City last night.
The Trotters have been revitalised since the appointment of the former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City boss in January. They had moved to the fringes of the play-off places following a run of three wins and a draw prior to last night’s game and knew that they needed to at least avoid defeat to keep in touching distance with the top six.
Despite being the away team, Birmingham entered the clash as favourites after an unbeaten run of 18 games opened up a 12 point gap at the top of the table. It appeared as if another victory was on the cards when they took the lead in the 23rd minute through Emil Hansson.
Bolton rallied though and John McAtee grabbed the equaliser six minutes before half time. The home side then took control in the second period when goals from George Thomason and Aaron Collins inflicted just a third league defeat of the season on Chris Davies’ Birmingham.
Schumacher Full Of Pride After Victory
Speaking after the game, Schumacher could not hide his delight at securing another victory at the Toughsheet Community Stadium:
“Against the best team in the division by probably a long way, so yeah, it is probably the best night. The second half as well, it’s probably the best we’ve played since we’ve been here. It was a really good performance.
“We said to the players at half-time, again, credit to coming back and showing some character. The way we were passing the ball, not too many teams have done that against these this season. So I said to the lads at half-time, be positive and go for it and who knows? And in the second half they were outstanding – everyone.
“We come up against some good teams in this division, and if you stand off them and admire them and say how good they are, then they’re going to win the game. Sometimes you get it wrong, sometimes you get your press wrong, but if you go and be brave and you go and take the game to them, then you’re in with a chance. Thankfully today we’ve come out on the right end of the result.”
Writer’s View
This was a result which kept Bolton seventh, although they are now just one point off the play-off places following Huddersfield Town’s defeat against Wrexham. With the injection of confidence since the arrival of Schumacher, you have to feel that they will do enough to at least secure a place in the top six, where they will be hoping to go one better than last season’s play-off final defeat.
