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Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher was far from happy with one aspect of his side after their disappointing home draw to Reading.
It has been a disappointing start to the 2025/26 League One season for Steven Schumacher and Bolton Wanderers, who currently sit 15th after just one win in four games.
Bolton Wanderers had an opportunity to get three points on the board as they hosted a Reading side that had endured a difficult campaign so far, losing three on the spin. However, Schumacher’s side were held to a 1-1 draw following Andre Garcia’s late equaliser for the Royals.
After plenty of investment in the summer, which saw Bolton notably sign Sam Dalby, whilst they also brought in Xavier Simons from Hull City, alongside Mason Burstow on loan, they have not got off to a start expected from a play-off chasing outfit.
Schumacher reflected on the performance, and despite it being a ‘controlled’ showing, one prominent weakness came back to bite them.
What Steven Schumacher said following poor Bolton Wanderers result vs Reading
Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher was far from happy with his side after their draw at the ToughSheet Stadium.
There was plenty of expectation that, after Reading’s start to the season, Bolton could kick on against the Royals, but that was not the case.
Schumacher has faced the media after the disappointing result, where he noted his side’s struggles in front of goal, something that has already caused concerns this season.
“Disappointed not to win the game. We felt as though, again, we played well enough and did a lot of good stuff,” Schumacher said via Bolton News.
“We controlled it for 80 minutes out of the 90 and then shot ourselves in the foot by not being clinical enough.
“We didn’t hit the target enough from all the good play and from their first or second shot on target, they get a bit of good fortune that costs us two vital points so really disappointed with it.
“It is very rare in a game of football that you control a whole 90 minutes. The opposition is going to have a spell – it might be the first 10 minutes, it could be the last 10 minutes.
“But when you are so dominant and in so much control, you’ve got to score. We got into some good areas, I don’t know how many crosses we put in.
“We created some chances, big shooting opportunities. We had a free kick in the D that we don’t hit the target with, and that is just frustrating. The keeper has got to make a save at least.”
Bolton Wanderers have scored just four goals so far this campaign, and have threatened very little with their ability in front of goal.
Steven Schumacher will be hoping that Sam Dalby helps revive Bolton’s attacking abilities
Bolton Wanderers signed Sam Dalby this summer, and there are plenty of expectations that he will offer an assured goalscoring ability. The forward spent last season on loan at Dundee United, and showed plenty of quality in the Scottish Premiership.
After joining with a minor injury, he made his debut in the draw against Reading, where he was unable to make an impact from the bench.
It is still early days for the former Wrexham man, and hopefully, once he gets fully back up to speed, he can help rectify the concerns for Bolton in front of goal.