Bolton thrash Port Vale with best performance of the season

Bolton Wanderers 4 - 0 Port Vale

Amario Cozier-Duberry produced a superb display with two goals and two assists as Bolton swept aside Port Vale to climb into the League One play-off positions.

Author | Mark Scott

Stadium | Toughsheet Community Stadium

The Brighton loanee opened the scoring after 31 minutes with his sixth goal of the season and third in as many games, continuing his fine run of form for the Wanderers.

Cozier-Duberry then turned provider, setting up Xavier Simons to score his first goal for the club with a precise low strike five minutes later.

The 2-0 half-time scoreline was harsh on struggling Vale and centre-back Connor Hall, who twice saw headers denied by goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, while Devante Cole was also kept out when the game was still goalless.

Once behind, however, Vale had no answer to Cozier-Duberry’s pace and precision. The winger struck again midway through the second half with a powerful right-foot effort that crashed in off the crossbar.

He later provided another assist, squaring for Kyle Dempsey to score on his first league appearance since April and end a 13-month goal drought.

A commanding eighth straight home victory in all competitions lifted Steven Schumacher’s side to a season-high third, while Vale slipped to 23rd.

Highlights below from the EFL YouTube channel

Bolton boss buzzing with the win and performance

After the match, Bolton boss Steven Schumacher spoke with delight about the win and most elements of the performance.

“A good win, good three points. It was a tough start to the game for us. Full credit to Port Vale; I thought they were really good for the first 25 minutes. They were well organised, and they put us under pressure. Every time we had the ball, there was somebody close to one of our players, so credit to them for that.”

“Once we got the first goal, I think we settled down to score again really quickly right after that. It was excellent and I thought the second half in the end, we controlled it, so a good day.”

These were views supported by most of the Bolton fans we spoke to after the match. Curtis R told us: “Brilliant day and result. There’s definitely a chance of automatic promotion this season.”