Steven Schumacher hails Amario Cozier-Duberry’s ‘moment of magic’

Steven Schumacher saluted Amario Cozier-Duberry’s “moment of magic” that earned Bolton a 1-0 win over Bradford in the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final first leg.

The on-loan Brighton winger’s 10th goal of the season after 60 minutes separates the sides for Thursday’s return leg at Valley Parade.

Cozier-Duberry almost added to his stunning left foot curling shot with a right foot effort two minutes later that struck the post before bouncing to safety.

“It was a brilliant finish,” enthused Bolton boss Schumacher. “All season, Mario has produced moments of magic like that.

“We said at half-time, we felt he was coming inside a lot and the space wasn’t there.

“So, we asked him to be patient and hopefully we could get the ball to him in dangerous areas.

“The ball fell to him a little fortuitously. But it was a brilliant finish.

“He’s got that quality and we’re just glad to have him back fit and available.”

Wanderers, play-off final runners-up to Oxford two seasons ago, were making their 10th play-off appearance. But only twice have they converted them into promotions.

“We knew how important it was to get ahead in the tie,” said Schumacher.

“We realise how difficult it is to go and play at Valley Parade. So, to get ourselves in front was great.

“Had we got a second goal when we were on top that would have been good. But the players understand it is only half-time.

“We know what is coming because it was a tough game there two weeks ago.

“Our message, as it would have been at 0-0, is to go there and try to win the game.”

Bradford, who finished fourth after the regular season, didn’t manage a shot on target.

However, a hat-trick of chances fell to former Trotter Antoni Sarcevic.

A first-half effort was blocked, he fired wide from 10 yards early in the second and put a third shot into the side netting with Bradford appealing for a penalty.

But David Rock, the fourth official who took over from injured referee Martin Coy in the second period, waved away appeals for a foul on Kayden Jackson by Chris Forino.

Bantams boss Graham Alexander said: “It was 100 per cent a foul but we all make mistakes.

“Our players were incensed. I don’t know why Kayden would go down.

“It was blatant but there are other things we need to focus on.

“It was a tough game and one we expected. The second leg will be a tough game as well for both teams.

“For us, to come away from home and only concede one shot on target is a positive.

“The way the players understood the game was pleasing. We didn’t get swayed by the crowds, our discipline was excellent and our connection each other was on point.”