First three points of the campaign for Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers 2 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Steven Schumacher marked victory over his former club Plymouth as Bolton kickstarted their season

Author | Dan H

Stadium | Toughsheet Community Stadium

Bolton push for a goal

Schumacher, who guided Plymouth to promotion from this division with over 100 points in 2023, made five changes to his starting XI following the Whites’ opening-day defeat, as he prepared to face familiar faces.

Making his first start since joining in the summer, Thierry Gale lined up on one wing with Amario Cozier-Duberry on the other, giving Wanderers a clear attacking edge in a first half that saw them go into the break in front.

A closer look at what happened

Captain Eoin Toal opened the scoring with his first goal in the armband, before on-loan striker Mason Burstow opened his own account for the club, sealing a crowd-pleasing display and Bolton’s first points of the campaign.

READ MORE | Bolton recovered well from last week's defeat

The fruits of Wanderers’ summer recruitment drive began to show as Schumacher’s vision took shape in an attacking, energetic performance. Several of the club’s established figures also rose to the occasion, ensuring Plymouth were kept at bay to suffer a second successive defeat.

Bolton defended well throughout 

While Argyle continue to find their feet after relegation, Bolton’s summer refresh has given them a new edge. At this early stage, it is a blueprint that hints at promising times ahead.

The stars of the show for Bolton

Eoin Toal

The captain took his goal and was impressive throughout. He's going to be an impossible player this season if Bolton are going to challenge for promotion back to the Championship

Mason Burstow

A fantastic home debut that will make Bolton fans excited. What's interesting though is the position that he was used. The young striker made his feelings perfectly clear since arriving on loan from Hull City that he is at the club to contest the number nine spot and wants to be front and centre in Steven Schumacher’s attack after a period in his career reluctantly being used in wider positions.