Steven Schumacher challenged his Bolton team not to make an impressive 3-1 win over Skybet League One leaders Birmingham a one-off performance.
Wanderers were second best for most of the opening period and deservedly trailed to Emil Hansson’s 23rd-minute goal.
But after John McAtee fired the home side level six minutes before half-time, Bolton dominated the rest of the game.
Captain George Thomason put the Trotters in front after 49 minutes before Aaron Collins’ 16th goal of the season inflicted the league leaders’ first defeat in 19 games.
“In the second half, that’s probably the best we have played,” said Schumacher who has lost only one league game in six since replacing Ian Evatt.
”It had a bit of everything, especially to go up against the best team in the league and get that type of performance and result.
“But I don’t want that to be our best night of the season. We want to have better ones still to come.
“Getting to that level is difficult, to play at that intensity every game.
“But it’s no good playing like we did tonight if we don’t back it up on Saturday (at Burton).
“We must use this and get better from it. There are still areas of the game we think we can improve on.
“I have watched a lot of Birmingham and saw them live when I was out of work. I was so impressed by them and expected the game to be like that.
“So, there weren’t many surprises. But we can’t get carried away by it. We have got to keep building on it.”
Birmingham’s loss was their first in the league since going down to Shrewsbury last November.
They had not conceded a goal in five third-tier games until McAtee smashed in Wanderers’ equaliser.
“Some of it was uncharacteristic from our point of view,” said manager Chris Davies. “There was potentially a bit of fatigue and tired bodies.
“You could see there were a few not quite themselves. Up until this point they have coped well but some looked jaded.
“However, we started the game very well and scored a good goal. We were disappointed to concede just before half-time because I thought we were far the better team.
“The goal gave them a real lift and belief they didn’t have before. They started the second half better than us.
“We were soft with the goal and it was an uncharacteristically poor third goal from our point of view.
“That gave us a mountain to climb and we didn’t look like climbing that mountain.
“Aside from the pain of defeat there is an acknowledgement from me what the guys have done for the last 18 games to go unbeaten. And they are hurting in there (the dressing room).”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga