Steven Schumacher hails Bolton ‘energy and resilience’ in thriller at Norwich

Bolton manager Steven Schumacher was proud of the way his side went about their business in a see-saw encounter to record a dramatic 4-3 victory at Norwich.

The Trotters twice came from behind to equalise in a frantic first half and went ahead 90 seconds after the break before Norwich equalised just after the hour mark.

Bolton substitute Atsuki Ito then had the final say, producing a neat finish after working his way into the box to give the visitors a hard-fought Sky Bet Championship success.

“Every game is going to be difficult for us at this level because of what we are up against and this is an especially tough place to come,” said Schumacher.

“It was a great game for the neutral, as I thought it would be, with lots of chances created and obviously we are delighted to come away with the three points.

“I was really impressed with the character we showed to get back in the game after twice going behind – and then didn’t let it affect us when they got it back to 3-3.

“We got in front again and then had the energy and resilience to see out the game.

“We have played well in our other away games this season without getting a reward so I am glad we have finally got something for our efforts.

“I am especially pleased for our fans. Nearly 1,000 came down for a Sunday lunchtime kick-off and gave us terrific support and it’s obviously nice for them too.”

Mo Toure had produced an unstoppable finish after just five minutes to put Norwich ahead only for Thierry Gale to equalise three minutes later with another well-taken goal.

Toure then went off with a shoulder injury before centre-half Ruairi McConville restored the home advantage in the 19th minute by heading home from a corner.

Gaiza Larrazabal’s sweetly struck half-volley levelled matters again in the 42nd minute and Sam Dalby fired Bolton into the lead less than two minutes after the break before an overlapping Jack Stacey restored parity.

Ito then settled the issue to condemn Norwich to a second successive 4-3 defeat in the Championship, as they lost another seven-goal thriller at Middlesbrough last weekend.

“There were some good moments for us out there today but obviously everything is overshadowed by conceding four goals,” said Norwich head coach Philippe Clement.

“It was a frantic game – and you don’t win many games of football if you concede four.

“I thought we started well and scored a good goal but then we conceded a goal that was too easy. Their winger was surrounded by four of our players but still managed to get his shot away and hit the net.

“Their second equaliser was a result of an attacking player only thinking about attacking, not defending, and then we fall apart as a team.

“There were some hard lessons to be learned but I believe what these guys can do together and we need to reset and make sure these sort of things don’t happen again.”

Clement revealed afterwards that Toure, Kenny McLean and Ben Chrisene were all in the treatment room, casting doubt on their availability for forthcoming international duty.