By Louii Clarkson
Click the video above to see Bolton Wanderers fans gathering outside the pub before the game
Bolton Wanderers ended seven years of frustration with a stunning 4-1 victory over Stockport County at Wembley to secure promotion back to the Championship. In front of more than 48,000 supporters, Steven Schumacher’s side delivered a ruthless second-half performance to finally win promotion through the League One play-offs after previous heartbreak in recent seasons.
The match exploded into life almost immediately. Bolton took the lead inside three minutes when Rúben Rodrigues reacted quickest after confusion in the Stockport penalty area, calmly finishing to give the Trotters the perfect start.
Stockport responded well and thought they had equalised midway through the first half through Adama Sidibeh, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a foul in the build-up.
To their credit, Dave Challinor’s side refused to let the setback affect them. Sidibeh eventually got his goal in the 29th minute, rising highest to head past Joel Bonham and level the match at 1-1. At that point, Wembley felt perfectly balanced, with both teams creating chances in an entertaining and physical contest.
The turning point came shortly after the hour mark. Bolton began to dominate midfield and were rewarded in the 64th minute when Kyle Wootton accidentally turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Bolton’s forwards.
From there, Schumacher’s substitutions completely changed the game. Substitute Sam Dalby produced the moment of the afternoon with a brilliant overhead kick in the 81st minute to put Bolton firmly in control and send the Wanderers supporters into celebration mode.
Late drama followed when Josh Dacres-Cogley was shown a red card after a VAR review for pulling Ibrahim Cissoko’s hair inside the penalty area. Rodrigues stepped up to convert the spot-kick and complete a memorable 4-1 victory for Bolton.
For Bolton, this was far more than just promotion. After years of financial problems, relegations, administration fears and play-off disappointment, Wembley finally became the scene of redemption. Fans celebrated one of the club’s greatest modern achievements as Wanderers returned to the Championship for the first time since 2019.
Stockport, meanwhile, were left heartbroken after an impressive season. Their rise from non-league football to the verge of the Championship has been remarkable, and despite the heavy scoreline, Dave Challinor’s side showed enough throughout the campaign to suggest they will challenge again next season.
Listen to the audio above to hear the thoughts of lifelong Bolton fan Simon Moore
Bolton will return to the Championship for the first time since the 2018/19 season. Since that time, Bolton have been successively relegated to the fourth tier after a financial crisis. However, after new ownership Football Ventures Limited bought them post- administration they have come on in leaps and bounds and finally find themselves back in the second tier.
