Steve Schumacher insisted it did not need any half-time histrionics to turn round the fortunes of comeback-kings Bolton as they edged a 2-1 League One victory at home to Leyton Orient.
A goal down to Charlie Kelman’s 15th of the season, Wanderers won a third-successive league game under Schumacher’s command with a John McAtee equaliser and Aaron Morley penalty.
Orient’s defeat was only their second in 16 games but they stay in the play-off zone ahead of Charlton and eighth-placed Bolton – though only on goal difference.
“Sometimes you haven’t got time to lose your rag and lose your temper,” said Bolton manager Schumacher of his interval approach.
“Let’s just go on with the tactics board and show what everyone was going to do with the ball and how we were going to press without the ball.
“We have been in this situation before so if we stuck together and believed in what we ask them to do, we can do it again. And we did.
“Credit to the players. They came out and executed it, none more so than Aaron Collins, who was outstanding.
“He gave us energy and it was a brilliant pass for Macca’s goal that got us back in the game.
“From that minute, the momentum was with us and the crowd was with us. We played well, got ourselves in front and then had to defend well. So, all positive signs.”
Orient, who have not won in Bolton since 1970, were second best for most of the first half but finished on top, maximising the spell as Kelman headed in from close range.
Bolton forward Aaron Collins’ introduction at the break certainly made a difference. So too did Orient’s loss of centre-half Brandon Cooper through cramp, three minutes before McAtee’s leveller.
Morley sealed the recovery from the penalty spot after Dom Ball tripped Josh Sheehan.
“It was soft,” said Orient boss Richie Wellens of the 75th-minute penalty award. “But that’s what Sheehan does.
“He goes down very easily. But we can’t dangle a leg.”
On Cooper’s premature exit, Wellens added: “It had a big bearing on the game. He is a big loss because we have no other recognised centre-backs at the moment and had to put a left-back at centre-half.
“But we weren’t at it today. We looked tired, slow and lethargic in the first half-hour.
“For the last 10-15 minutes of the first half we looked a threat even though it wasn’t the way I want us to play football.
“In this run we were always going to have a performance where we came off it. But I expected a second half which was better than that.”
