Key Points
- · Bolton Wanderers defeated Wigan Athletic 4-1 in a League One derby on 20 September 2025.
- · Bolton’s head coach Steven Schumacher praised his team for a clinical, composed performance, particularly highlighting the defensive efforts in managing Wigan’s pressure.
- · Marcus Forss made his first league start for Bolton, scoring twice and impressing Schumacher with his quality and intensity.
- · Wigan’s boss Ryan Lowe admitted his side "gifted" goals and made defensive mistakes contributing to the large defeat.
- · The win ended an 11-year wait for a Bolton derby victory over Wigan Athletic.
- · The match saw a tactical plan by Schumacher to disrupt Wigan's back three by pairing Forss and Mason, which proved effective.
- · Despite Bolton’s dominance, Schumacher acknowledged Wigan’s possession and chance creation, praising the team's ability to defend under pressure.
- · Key defenders like Chris Forino and George Johnston played important roles in securing the win.
- · Wigan forced multiple corners and pressured Bolton in the second half, but Bolton’s defence stood firm.
What happened in the Bolton vs Wigan match?
As reported by Oliver Astley of The Bolton News, Bolton Wanderers secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at home, bringing an end to an 11-year derby drought against their rivals. The match showcased a blend of clinical finishing and resolute defending from Bolton, with Marcus Forss scoring a brace on his first league start.
The win came after a strong first-half performance by Bolton, who took a 3-0 lead by the 35th minute. Forss’s movement and finishing were particularly lauded by head coach Steven Schumacher, who noted that the team executed their tactical plan effectively against Wigan’s back three defence.
How did Steven Schumacher assess Bolton’s defensive performance?
Steven Schumacher, speaking after the game, emphasised the importance of the defensive effort in securing the win. He praised Bolton’s ability to endure Wigan’s pressure in the second half, acknowledging the volume of corners and possession generated by Wigan. Schumacher specifically highlighted defender Chris Forino's strong heading and overall defensive contribution, noting the team’s resilience despite conceding one goal from a counterattack.
Schumacher said, “We had to defend at times and deal with pressure, but the team showed the qualities we need to fight and battle as well as play good football”.
What role did Marcus Forss play in the victory?
Marcus Forss was a standout figure in the match, scoring twice and demonstrating the attributes Schumacher hopes to build on. The Middlesbrough-loanee was brought in to play closer to striker Mason to disrupt Wigan’s back line and press effectively, a plan that brought dividends.
Schumacher remarked on Forss’s qualities: “He’s got real quality, bright and intense out of possession, and his finishing today showed what we expect from him. We just need to keep building his fitness levels as he adjusts to game minutes”.
Forss’s brace included a goal from a cut-back, a move practiced during the week in training, showing the team’s preparation and execution. His performance gave Bolton a decisive edge in the derby.
How did Wigan Athletic respond to the defeat?
Ryan Lowe, Wigan’s manager, gave an honest post-match reaction acknowledging the mistakes his team made which led to the goals. He admitted that his side "gifted" goals to Bolton and lacked the defensive sharpness needed to compete effectively in such a high-stakes derby.
Lowe conceded that despite the scoreline, his team had good possession and created many chances, but errors and an inability to manage key moments cost them dearly. He stressed the need for his team to respond positively and learn from the defeat.
What were the tactical aspects of the game highlighted by both managers?
Steven Schumacher revealed a deliberate tactical approach focused on pressing Wigan’s back three by deploying Forss and Mason upfront to create problems and regain possession early. This tactic paid off with quick goals that gave Bolton control of the match.
On the defensive side, Schumacher pointed to key individuals such as captain George Johnston and Forino who helped Quito team withstand Wigan’s territorial dominance, especially when under sustained corner and possession pressure.
Ryan Lowe admitted his team struggled to cope defensively and that mistakes in transition and counterattack were costly. The interplay of fitness, intensity, and mental errors shaped the outcome.
How significant is this win for Bolton Wanderers?
The victory marked a major milestone for Bolton Wanderers, ending an 11-year wait to defeat Wigan Athletic in a league derby. Steven Schumacher called it a “big win” and praised the composure and ruthlessness exhibited by his side, indicating the team’s growing confidence and development under his management.