Leading goal-scorer Aaron Collins’ late goal secured a victory for interim manager Julian Darby as Bolton defeated Northampton Town 3-1 in the Sky Bet League One.
Collins’ goal in the 83rd minute added to the team's previous win against Huddersfield, and now Darby is expected to make way for Steven Schumacher.
Schumacher, the former manager of Stoke and Plymouth, is currently the favorite to permanently replace Ian Evatt. If he takes over, he will be in charge of a team that is just outside the playoff spots based on goal difference.
Captain George Thomason scored the opening goal for Bolton in the third minute, but Northampton, led by ex-Bolton player Kevin Nolan, equalized five minutes later through midfielder Liam Shaw, who scored his first goal for the club since joining from Fleetwood.
Shaw, who hadn't scored since December 2022, managed to bag a brace by halftime, with the second goal unfortunately going into his own net.
Despite Northampton's efforts and Nolan's return to the Toughsheet Community Stadium for the first time since 2010, Shaw inadvertently scored an own goal while attempting to clear a cross from Collins.
Thomason was close to scoring again, but Northampton's goalkeeper Nik Tzanev saved his shot, and Collins sealed the victory for Bolton with a well-taken goal.