Steven Schumacher admits to nerves ahead of Mason Burstow match-winning penalty

Bolton boss Steven Schumacher confessed to more nerves than Mason Burstow before the Hull loanee stepped up to become Bolton’s match winner in stoppage time.

Just five minutes after coming on as substitute Burstow ended a drought between goals dating back to last October, converting a spot kick awarded for handball against Azeem Abdulai.

Thierry Gale’s sixth goal of the season, 30 seconds into the second half, put Wanderers in front only for O’s skipper Theo Archibald to quickly equalise with a stunning right-foot strike.

The game was heading for a draw before Burstow netted his eighth goal of the campaign to lift Wanderers up to third.

“When he stepped up, I thought ‘Mase please score,’” admitted Schumacher.

“I was a bit nervous for him but he looked calm and hit it nice and safe up the middle.

“It showed his character. When you practice, it should give you confidence and he practices every week.

“It could have been easy for him to buckle under the pressure but he struck it clean.”

Both sides had no issue with referee Seb Stockbridge’s decision to give Burstow his chance to become a hero.

But Orient were incensed they should have had their own second-half penalty for a possible foul by keeper Jack Bonham on Abdulai.

“I thought Jack made contact with the ball which went in a completely different direction (to the player),” said Schumacher.

Bolton’s win took their points tally to seven from a possible nine leaving the Trotters chief to say: “We will definitely play better than that so I am delighted with the result.”

Orient boss Richie Wellens insisted: “For me, the turning point of the game was a stonewall penalty.

“He chips it over the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper runs out. In what world do we live in that that wasn’t a penalty?

“I was convinced at the time. I have watched it back though I didn’t need to. Sometimes you just have a feeling.

“Even our penalty against, I knew it hit his hand. You radio up and they confirm it.

“But I have been in the game a long time and you go with your first instinct. I knew he chipped it over the keeper.

“But I don’t think the referee gave us anything all game.

“We have had three games now: against Cardiff at home, Reading at home and now Bolton; three of the best teams in the league.

“And I think we have been the best team in all three games. So, hopefully we can take that forward.”