Bolton boss Steve Schumacher on home win

[Michael Morris]

Steven Schumacher hailed the “belief” of his Wanderers squad as they left it late again to beat leaders Cardiff City.

Amario Cozier-Duberry was the hero again with a trademark finish into the top corner after cutting onto his left foot.

The Whites have now won back-to-back games against tough opposition and remain unbeaten at the Toughsheet Stadium.

“It was a big game and I said in the week how I thought it was going to be a high quality game between two good teams who play in the right way. I thought it was a little bit like that,” said Schumacher.

“They obviously have a lot of possession - something that we expected and had to really work hard to make sure that that possession didn't hurt us too often.

“It was an incredible effort from everybody to stay the course, not make mistakes and not lose concentration because as I said, these are a top team.

“But the quality and energy that our players showed, and the belief I suppose, to keep going to the very end and get the win was incredible.

“I think I'd have been happy with a point the way the game panned out but to win it is extra special.”

There had been little to separate the sides until Cozier-Duberry’s moment of magic, and the head coach was full of praise for the Brighton loanee.

“He's a real talented player and we've said we've loved having him and he's doing great,” Schumacher continued.

“I actually thought today he looked really tired in the last 10 to 15 minutes because, again, that's to be expected.

“He plays pretty much every minute of every league game and that's difficult for someone so young.

“He looked a little bit tired in the last 15 minutes today because of the energy but you just can't take him off because he's got that match-winning capability.

“He reminds me a little bit of Morgan Whittaker who I had a few years ago who's similar - just can produce a moment of magic from nowhere to win you in a game. So those players you've got to stick with.”

After the dramatic ending at Huddersfield last week, there was more late drama for the 22,000-plus in attendance at the Toughsheet Stadium.

“It's never boring watching our teams,” Schumacher grinned. “That's what we want though.

“We pride ourselves on being a team that can play with energy because of the way we train, how intense we are.

“We ask the lads to do things and therefore you should have enough in your tank to go the distance.

“And when I've got quality players who can come off the bench to give you that added energy, it helps. The emotions at the end of the game are brilliant.

“As I say, I would have been pleased enough with the performance if we'd have got a result against Cardiff, but to beat them on our home turf and keep that momentum going here at home is brilliant.

“Five wins and two draws from our home is a good return and we want that to continue.”

[insider]

What effing game was he watching?