Steven Schumacher refuses to downbeat after being held by Bradford

Steven Schumacher was not downhearted at Bolton’s failure to win a ninth successive home game in all competitions, describing this top-of-the-table stalemate as a “positive point.”

Sam Walker kept Bradford in contention with first-half saves from Jordi Osei-Tutu and in-form Brighton loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry.

But the visitors improved after half-time and Teddy Sharman-Lowe produced vital saves from Stephen Humphreys and George Lapslie.

It was not a classic before Wanderers’ highest post Premier League crowd of 26,473 but Schumacher said: “It was two good teams at the top of the division going at it and looking like they belong there.

“We probably edged the first half and had a lot of big chances. If we take one we probably go on and win the game.

“The second half was closer especially late on when Bradford had a couple of moments of pressure and we needed Teddy to make a save late on.

“So, a point overall is a good one and probably a fair result. I’m not disappointed because this point keeps us in the hunt which is where we need to be.

“You can’t win every game,” added Schumacher whose side are fifth, two points off top and one behind second placed Bradford. “If you can’t find enough to win the game don’t lose it.”

Top scorer Cozier-Duberry fired in two off-target efforts in addition to being denied by Walker.

But the Bantams’ interval introductions of ex-Trotter Antoni Sarcevic and Stephen Humpreys levelled the contest.

Bradford, who at one stage in the second half took over top spot, still have not won a league game since September 27.

But manager Graham Alexander was delighted by his team’s response to recent results.

“There were two top teams competing at a great level,” he said. “They are in great form and certainly at home so we knew it would be a test.

“We had to work exceptionally hard but no one showed any fear. We trusted how we play and how we commit to a game.

“The attitude was good and attitude underpins what we are about.

“It was good to see the personability back in the game.  As the game went on, we got stronger and stronger and went close to snatching a winner towards the end.

“The players can give themselves a pat on the back. It was a good game to be a part of even me as a jealous ex player I still enjoyed it from the sidelines seeing two good teams go toe-to toe.”