Steven Schumacher has high hopes for Mason Burstow after goal on home debut

Steven Schumacher tipped on-loan striker Mason Burstow to build on a home debut goal in a 2-0 win over the Bolton boss’ former club Plymouth.

Burstow’s 60th-minute finish sealed Wanderers’ first victory of the new season after captain Eoin Toal headed the home team in front after 20 minutes.

“Mason will get better the more he plays,” said Schumacher of the Hull loanee. “He hasn’t had a consistent run of games for Sunderland and Hull over the last two years.

“The more he plays, and the more he plays down the middle, the better he will get.

“He took his goal well but he was excellent as well. I think he can be a good player for us.

“He is strong, technically he is really good and he was in the right area for his goal. It was a good finish because it wasn’t an easy delivery.”

Burstow, who had not previously netted since December 2024, ended a flowing move by converting Amario Cozier-Duberry’s cross.

Bolton bounced back in style from an opening loss at Stockport, vindicating Schumacher’s decision to make five changes to his starting team.

But Plymouth’s woes have continued since last season’s relegation from the Championship, losing their opening two third-tier games.

“It always feels better when you get the points you think your performance deserves,” added Schumacher.

“The first 10-15 minutes Argyle were a threat and it was a battle. But I thought the game changed when Josh Sheehan smashed into a tackle and got our crowd behind us.

“We also scored goals at important times. It was a great header from Eoin and got us into the game, and Mason’s goal gave us something to hold onto.”

Plymouth manager Tom Cleverley cut a frustrated figure after his team’s latest loss and continued fruitless attempts to bolster his squad.

“After a decent start we again didn’t respond to the opposition landing the first blow,” he said. “That knocked us out of our rhythm.

“For the next 40 minutes we were in it without really having any cutting edge. I will have to look at the balance of the team and we also need to work hard in the market.

“Recruitment is proving difficult. It is not going to make it any easier for our supporters until players start coming through the door.

“We have had geographical issues, we have had selling or loaning club issues. I can’t point too many fingers internally when trying to do the business.

“We are working super hard because it is very clear that we need to add quality and numbers.

“We just need the stars to align when you haven’t got an endless pot of money like our competitors seem to have for similar ambitions.”