Bolton Wanderers head coach Steven Schumacher is targeting a quick recovery when they face Stockport County at the Toughsheet Community Stadium later today.
The Trotters saw their six-game unbeaten run come to an end on Tuesday night when they suffered a late defeat against Bristol Rovers. It looked as if they might have come away with a point at The Memorial Stadium, only for Connor Taylor to earn the home side the three points two minutes from time.
It was somewhat of a missed opportunity for the Greater Manchester-based side. Another victory would have seen them leapfrog Stockport County into fifth whilst also opening up a five point gap on seventh-placed Huddersfield Town. However, they have another chance this afternoon when they host the Hatters.
Schumacher Hoping For ‘Huge Boost’
Schumacher has performed a wonderful job since replacing Ian Evatt at the end of January. Tuesday’s defeat was his first in the league since his debut game against Reading and they are second in the form table behind Charlton Athletic.
Speaking to The Bolton News ahead of the visit of Stockport, the former Stoke City boss is hoping for a return to winning ways:
“We were gutted from Tuesday night, but it was just another game – if we can go up against a rival, get the better of them and go above them in the league then it would be a huge boost going into the international break.
“The games here at home have been high-energy and the crowds have been amazing. It’s a big game against a local rival with a lot at stake, so we will be ready for it.
“The run we have been on has been excellent, and if we can put a similar one together between now and the end of the season then it will give us a really good chance of being where we want to be.”
Writer’s View
After losing to Oxford United in last season’s play-off final, you have to feel as if they will get another chance to go one better in May. If they can keep up their recent form, they must be considered one of the favourites. Momentum is key when it comes to the play-offs and Bolton have that in abundance at the moment. However, there is still a long way to go and the likes of Huddersfield and Reading are waiting in the wings. Three points against Stockport this afternoon would be huge in their quest for a top six finish.
