Steven Schumacher must see early Bolton Wanderers red flag from Stockport County evidence | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Stockport County on the opening day as red flags appeat

Steven Schumacher's Bolton Wanderers were defeated 2-0 by Stockport County at Edgeley Park on the opening day of the season despite having three times as many shots as the home side.

Former Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City manager Schumacher will be disappointed by his side's defeat to Stockport on the opening day, despite the fact that Stockport narrowly missed out on automatic promotion to the Championship last season, finishing in third place, five points off of second-placed Wrexham and are largely tipped by pundits to be in and around the automatic spots at the end of this new season.

Bolton are also well regarded as a side to be in and around the play-offs towards the end of the season.

The Trotters have made some exciting additions, such as Amario Cozier-Duberry and Mason Burstow joining on loan from Brighton and Hull, respectively, with Ethan Erhahon having signed from Lincoln, despite interest from Championship clubs, with Bajan winger Thierry Gale arriving from Rapid Wien.

Wasteful Bolton lose at Stockport

Schumacher's side showed glimpses of their attacking prowess in the match against Stockport but lacked the cutting edge required to put the ball in the back of the net, making Aaron Collins' move to MK Dons all the more confusing if this issue isn't to be addressed.

Cozier-Duberry in particular displayed bright sparks in the first half on his Bolton debut, forcing Corey Addai down to his right to make a decent save in the 23rd minute, after cutting in on his left and releasing a shot from the edge of the area.

Two minutes later, the Brighton loanee then flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal after showing nimble footwork down the right with Burstow lurking, but the man on loan from Hull was unable to get the decisive touch as the ball went out for a goal kick.

Bolton continued to threaten in the second half, as, in the 60th minute, Max Conway drove forward with the ball from left-back and struck the post from inside the box, as Aaron Morley's powerful effort from outside the box flashed narrowly wide of the goal.

Gale forced Addai into a low save down to his left just before the 80th minute mark following some good footwork in the box, but it wasn't to be for Bolton, who, despite having the better chances, left Edgeley Park empty-handed after goals at the end of each half from Malik Mothersille and Kyle Wootton.

Schumacher's reaction

Following the defeat to Stockport, Scumacher was evidently disappointed with the result, telling BBC Radio Manchester: "It was a game we probably didn't deserve to lose. We created enough opportunities again in some brilliant areas and didn't make the most of them.

"In the two moments that mattered, they've been more clinical than we have. Disappointed to lose, but enough positivity in there against a really good team, as we've created enough to win the game.

"We were up against a side who pass and move the ball really well, but we were in control of those situations. I didn't feel we were under pressure for many moments, and we got into some good areas from an attacking point of view."

What's next for Bolton

Bolton host newly-relegated Plymouth Argyle in their next match on Saturday, who themselves fell to defeat on their return to League One at home to Barnsley on Saturday.

Schumacher will be hoping for a reaction against the Pilgrims, who, incidentally, he previously managed and guided to promotion in the 2022/23 season, amassing 101 points and clinching the title.

With Aaron Collins dropping to League Two to join MK Dons, the Trotters have signed Burstow on loan from Hull City and Sam Dalby on a free to strengthen their attacking options.

22-year-old Burstow has scored fewer than ten senior goals in his career to date and remains an unproven entity, whilst Dalby struggled to break into the Wrexham starting eleven last season, heading out on loan to Dundee United. He has also been absent in recent weeks with a hamstring injury.

Early red flags surrounding Bolton's clinical ability in front of the goal have been raised, and it remains to be seen whether Schumacher will dive into the market once more to find his goal-scoring answer.

On the evidence of Stockport, they might need it if they are to challenge the very best League One has to offer this season.