Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny scored his fifth goal in five games for Bolton as they drew 1-1 at Bradford, with manager Steven Schumacher full of praise for the Republic of Ireland striker’s ‘outstanding’ finish
Bolton Wanderers’ Johnny Kenny celebrates scoring against Bradford City (Image: Getty Images)
Steven Schumacher hailed Johnny Kenny’s “outstanding” strike in Bolton’s 1-1 stalemate at Bradford which confirmed their play-off berth.
The Celtic loanee netted his fifth goal in as many matches to put the away side in front at a heaving Valley Parade. Kayden Jackson drew Bradford level, though the result guaranteed Bolton’s top-six finish.
Boss Schumacher remarked: “It was a brilliant finish, a really good goal, well worked and you could see a striker playing with confidence to turn the defender.
“I thought he was going to shoot on his left foot first time, but to turn onto his right and put it into the top corner shows the quality and belief I knew that he had. I’m so happy we managed to get him here.
“It was outstanding and he nearly had another one – I don’t know how Sam Walker saved it.
“I thought we played really well. It was a really competitive game between two decent teams, as we knew it would be in the closing stages of the season.
“We played some really good stuff and I felt we deserved to go ahead. The game plan was going how we wanted it and then a foul from a set-piece gives them an opportunity, which they’re really good at.
“It’s a great finish from Jackson but we’re unfortunate not to win it. But I’m really pleased with the effort the lads put in and to solidify our place in the play-offs.”
Ireland striker Kenny broke the deadlock on 72 minutes with a sharp half-volley following Mason Burstow’s assist.
Bradford hit back eight minutes afterwards when Jackson struck home with a volley from the box’s edge.
However, outcomes from other matches mean they require one more point to secure their play-off spot.
Manager Graham Alexander commented: “We expected a tough game with the atmosphere and a full crowd. I think the draw was a fair result but it was a game that both teams could have won.
“I was really pleased with my players and how they approached it.
“As a newly-promoted team, going up against Plymouth on Tuesday and Bolton, we’re walking off a little bit disappointed we haven’t beaten them, considering where they’ve come from and what they have to compete at this level.
“Everyone at the club deserves massive credit for holding our heads up going up against opponents and never feeling second best. Even at 1-0 we saw the right body language in the players, the right mentality and a never-say-die approach, which we expect now.
“Bolton have got undoubted quality, probably from a higher level. They challenge you in different ways, but I think we pressed them really well.
“We had some opportunities we should have done better with, but they were too really good goals and we take it into the last game.”