Bolton Wanderers boss Schumacher on win at Wigan Athletic

Josh Sheehan got the decisive goal eight minutes from time after Mason Burstow and Sam Dalby had gone close.

Debutant Jack Bonham didn’t have a save to make in goal, although Harrison Bettoni had a big chance for the hosts before the winner.

“I think it was a perfect derby performance,” said Schumacher. “We spoke about having to stand up to Wigan's physicality, the direct play that they put on you, trying to stop crosses coming into the box, which we did all of that.

“Then we said we needed to play our football because that's what we're good at, and we played some really good stuff at times today. In the end, I think we're deserving winners.”

It was an important result for the Whites, who were looking for a response after a run of one win in seven in all competitions.

“We haven’t played as well in the last two or three weeks as what we have been doing. In certain games in the bad run, we've played well and not scored," the head coach added.

“Today, we looked like we were playing really well and not going to score. We got into some brilliant areas, had some great chances and again, probably just not clinical enough.

“That's probably our only criticism that we can have because the big chances that you get in these big games, you've got to take them.

“But what I was really pleased with the lads today is that they stuck to the gameplan. They were absolutely brilliant to a man. The lads who came off the bench as well had a massive impact.

“And in the end, it was a really great strike that won us the game. But it was a good performance and it was one, as I say, that we needed.”

Kyle Dempsey and John McAtee had positive impacts after their introduction from the bench with 15 minutes to go.

“Again, I thought Mason played well. He worked so hard, should have scored from his big chance,” said Schumacher.

“A couple of times, the ball bobbles off him which he needs to try and improve on if he's going to play in that slightly deeper role. Xav (Simons) as well had worked so hard, so just fresh legs.

“And when I can bring lads on like that - who obviously give it all their energy and they're passionate, that's what they are as players, and also the quality.

“I think it was Macca’s cross that led to the goal, and a nice flick from Demps. So when I can bring that on the pitch, then it's a big help.”

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