Debutant Corey Blackett-Taylor’s early goal put the Whites into the driving seat and they created several more chances in what was one of their most impressive 45 minutes away from home all season.

Wimbledon got into the game after the break, however, and put plenty of pressure on the Bolton goal without managing to break through.

“We were excellent in that first period,” Schumacher said after the game. “We got the ball down well. We found out where the spacers were going to be on the pitch. We were really dangerous from the counter-attack.

“The goal was excellent. The only negative from it was that there was only 1-0 at half-time. I was trying to shout on to (Kyle) Dempsey and (Eoin) Toal that we needed to try and get that second goal to kill it off, but we didn’t manage it.

“And then second half, we have had to show character and fighting spirit because obviously, the home team are always going to react. But it was a really good away performance and another brilliant three points.”

Schumacher gave debuts to both of his loan signing made before the game and was pleased with the way Blackett-Taylor – recruited from Derby – and Rob Apter – brought in from Charlton Athletic – performed after such a short time with their new team-mates.

“I thought they were both really sharp,” he said. “Obviously, we knew they wouldn’t last the whole game.

“They haven’t played loads of football over the last few months. And we knew we would have to look after them. But they were dangerous.

“They showed quality. Rob put a couple of really nice crosses in. Once people know now, this is what’s coming in, they’ll start attacking those areas.

“He should have scored on the back post, it bobbled up and he should have scored. And Corey is the match winner.

“He had two or three good moments in the first half, where he had his full-back right where he wanted them. And in the second half, as I say, we didn’t see loads of them on the ball, but they were good debuts.”
Only Cardiff City (11) have now kept more clean sheets in the league than Wanderers this season – and new addition Jack Bonham has managed three in his first five starts.

Showing defensive resilience in the second half at the Cherry Red Records Stadium was no great surprise to Schumacher, who made improving the team’s defensive structure one of his key missions last summer.

“That’s what we’ve been working really hard on all season,” he said. “Our defensive record is excellent. One of the best in the league.

“And when you’ve got that and there’s something to build on, when you’ve got that organisation, discipline to stay in your slots, lads who don’t panic on clearances, then it gives you something to be confident with, that you’re not going to concede every time someone has a spell of pressure against you. 

“Now, we made a couple of fouls today, unnecessary ones. Eoin Toal gave one away really early in the second half that helped them build some momentum and pressure. So, that’s something for us to learn from and work at.

“But as a defensive unit, and Jack (Bonham) at the very end, just landing on that ball, they can be really proud of the whole effort. And another big clean sheet. We have one of the best records in the league on that too.”

After an arduous January schedule, Schumacher is pleased to have more time to prepare for the next fixture at home to Barnsley.

“It has been a really crazy schedule,” he said. “That’s 13 league games now since the start of December.

“It’s been really difficult. Nine games in January and the players have given us absolutely everything. To take 13 points out of the last 15 available is really positive.

“I’m so pleased for everyone. I need to rest up now. I’m going to give them an extra day off, get them back in on Tuesday and get ready to go again for Barnsley.”