Steven Schumacher has urged his wingers to maintain their variety and consistency after starring in Bolton Wanderers’ 3-0 win against AFC Wimbledon.
The victory lifted Wanderers back into the top 10 of League One, with Thierry Gale, Amario Cozier-Duberry and substitute Ibrahim Cissoko all impressing in a dominant attacking display.
Schumacher’s Praise
“I thought Thierry and Amario were excellent, and Cissoko when he came on with a bit more space to operate,” Schumacher said. “The wingers don’t always have to come back inside, they need to mix the game up, and I think they’ll do both excellent if they keep mixing it up.”
Schumacher highlighted the threat of Cozier-Duberry, who scored his first league goal for the club and forced the hosts back with direct running. The head coach also reserved words for Gale, who capped a mixed week, scoring in the EFL Trophy before being sent off, with an energetic display on the left flank.
“We know Thierry has got good ability and one-on-one speed, he just needs to understand and learn the importance of the game here,” Schumacher added. “It’s physical, it’s demanding, he has to run back all the time. It’s not just about when he gets the ball, but he looked as though he was confident.”
Missed Chances
While delighted with the clean sheet and three goals, Schumacher admitted his only frustration was that Bolton could have scored more. Sam Dalby struck the bar, saw a header saved, and opted to pass instead of shooting late on, leaving the margin narrower than it might have been.
“Maybe in the last half an hour, if you’re ruthless and go for the throat, build your confidence up, get your goal difference up, it would have been great, but it wasn’t to be. Three goals, we can’t be too greedy,” he said.
The win also eased the pressure on Bolton after a run of 1-1 draws, with Schumacher insisting his side have been creating chances throughout the season and are now beginning to find their finishing touch.
Writer’s View
Bolton’s wingers were central to this win, with their pace and willingness to vary their play proving decisive. Schumacher’s demand for consistency is a timely reminder that one strong performance must now be the standard, not the exception.
If Wanderers can build ruthlessness into their attacking play, particularly when on top, they will quickly climb the League One table. The early signs suggest that wide areas could be the key to their promotion push.
