Johnny Kenny praised for ‘outstanding’ finish by Bolton boss Steven Schumacher

Steven Schumacher praised Johnny Kenny’s “outstanding” finish in Bolton’s 1-1 draw at Bradford that secured their play-off place.

The on-loan Celtic striker scored his fifth goal in five games to fire the visitors ahead at a packed Valley Parade. Kayden Jackson levelled for the home side but the point was enough to ensure Bolton will finish in the top six.

Manager Schumacher said: “It was a brilliant finish, a really good goal, well worked and you could see a striker playing with confidence to turn the defender.

“I thought he was going to shoot on his left foot first time, but to turn onto his right and put it into the top corner shows the quality and belief I knew that he had. I’m so happy we managed to get him here.

“It was outstanding and he nearly had another one – I don’t know how Sam Walker saved it.

“I thought we played really well. It was a really competitive game between two decent teams, as we knew it would be in the closing stages of the season.

“We played some really good stuff and I felt we deserved to go ahead. The game plan was going how we wanted it and then a foul from a set-piece gives them an opportunity, which they’re really good at.

“It’s a great finish from Jackson but we’re unfortunate not to win it. But I’m really pleased with the effort the lads put in and to solidify our place in the play-offs.”

Kenny fired Bolton in front after 72 minutes with a crisp half-volley after being set up by Mason Burstow.

Bradford responded eight minutes later when Jackson volleyed home from the edge of the box. But results elsewhere mean they still need another point to guarantee the play-offs.

Graham Alexander said: “We expected a tough game with the atmosphere and a full crowd. I think the draw was a fair result but it was a game that both teams could have won.

“I was really pleased with my players and how they approached it.

“As a newly-promoted team, going up against Plymouth on Tuesday and Bolton, we’re walking off a little bit disappointed we haven’t beaten them, considering where they’ve come from and what they have to compete at this level.

“Everyone at the club deserves massive credit for holding our heads up going up against opponents and never feeling second best. Even at 1-0 we saw the right body language in the players, the right mentality and a never-say-die approach, which we expect now.

“Bolton have got undoubted quality, probably from a higher level. They challenge you in different ways, but I think we pressed them really well.

“We had some opportunities we should have done better with, but they were too really good goals and we take it into the last game.”