WANDERERS have targeted an area of their game they can improve to help unpick some of the more stubborn opponents in League One.
Steven Schumacher has put some focus on the quality of his team’s crossing, especially against sides which pack the middle of the park.
Finding that more and more teams are setting up to try and condense central areas in defence and midfield, attempting to nullify the impact of Amario Cozier-Duberry, Thierry Gale and the like cutting inside from the wider positions, the Bolton boss believes his players must adapt.
“The quality can improve in every game,” he told The Bolton News. “Some of our crosses, especially at Swindon, weren't great. It's something they need to keep working on.
“It's technique stuff. That's why we had the practice game on Thursday which looked at playing against teams who have been playing 5-4-1 against us. Everyone seems to be doing it.
“They are letting us go wide, not allowing us to play through the middle. So if you are in those wide areas you have to cross the ball.
“We have been able to play two strikers in that case, just like we did against Wigan and against Peterborough. We might have done it in other games where we felt we were going against that same system.
“But if we’re doing that, having that extra striker, then it’s important to cross the ball properly.
“It isn’t just wingers. The game on Tuesday against Mansfield, the goal comes from a cross from a centre-back (George Johnston).
“As long as you get into the right areas and the delivery and the numbers are in there, then you'll get success from it.
“And sometimes it depends on what the game looks like as to what style of cross you need.”
Mason Burstow was paired alongside Marcus Forss in the 2-1 win against Exeter City at the weekend – the seventh time the two players have started alongside each other in the league this season. Burstow has only started one match with Sam Dalby, the 3-0 defeat at Burton in October.
According to data from Whoscored.com, Wanderers average 22 crosses per game, which is bettered only by Luton Town (25) and Port Vale (23) across League One.
The same figures claim that five goals have been scored as a direct result of a cross, which placed Bolton joint fifth, behind the likes of Stockport County (nine) and Huddersfield Town (eight).
Improving the quality of crossing should be a good thing for Wanderers’ central strikers, whose goal return has slowed lately.
Dalby grabbed his fourth of the season against Exeter City at the weekend, but Burstow has not found the back of the net in his last 11 appearances in all competitions.
“Sam’s a really good lad, a brilliant character,” Schumacher added. “I really enjoy working with him. He will get better the more he plays, the more he gets into a rhythm.
“It's been difficult getting him into a rhythm because Mason's been playing so well. It's one of them, the team is up for debate and selection problems every single week. We just need whoever to be in form and someone to tap it in the net for us.
“Thankfully, Sam is in the right place. I'm pleased for him, especially a goal at home will do his confidence no harm.”
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