Schumacher pleased by Bolton response in big win

Amario Cozier-Duberry (right) scored twice in Bolton Wanderers' 5-1 win over Stevenage on Tuesday [Shutterstock]

Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher said he was pleased by the response as they thrashed Stevenage to bolster their League One play-off hopes.

Tuesday's impressive 5-1 win over play-off rivals Stevenage came after their defeat by second-placed Cardiff on Saturday.

Schumacher's side are not assured of a play-off spot yet but Bolton look in a decent position to register a top-six place after disappointment last season when they finished 10 points adrift.

"I just felt it was a night that we needed to start well and get going because Saturday was disappointing, so I'm glad we responded," Schumacher told BBC Radio Manchester.

"On Saturday it didn't look like us with the ball. I thought we were too negative and didn't take enough risks whereas [against Stevenage] we did. We made good forward runs and passes and created lots of problems for Stevenage who are a tough team to beat."

• Bolton thrash play-off rivals Stevenage

Bolton have three games remaining and will enter into a likely play-off campaign knowing they will be one of the teams to beat as they aim for a return to the Championship for the first time since 2019.

Schumacher thinks that if they continue where they left off after the Stevenage win, they will be in a decent position for the play-offs.

"The review yesterday was horrible because I don't like doing that, but tonight that was more like us - we were positive and we tried and we were brave," Schumacher added.

"If we continue to do that in the next three league games, then we'll be all right."