Football News Update: Bolton Take Control in League One Play-Off Semi-Final Against Barnsley
Bolton Wanderers Secure Crucial 3-1 Lead Over Barnsley
Bolton Wanderers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over Barnsley in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final match-up.
Goals Galore at Oakwell
- Dion Charles, the in-form Bolton striker, opened the scoring with a superb finish midway through the first half.
- Charles then doubled the visitors’ advantage from the penalty spot early in the second half after goalkeeper Liam Roberts had fouled Josh Sheehan.
- Barnsley substitute Sam Cosgrove pulled one back for the hosts, but Bolton’s Randell Williams scored a remarkable goal directly from a corner kick in stoppage time to make it 3-1 to the away side.
Confidence Remains High for Barnsley
“If we get that first goal, anything can happen,” said Barnsley interim manager Martin Devaney, remaining confident ahead of the second leg.
Praise for Bolton’s Performance
Ian Evatt, the Bolton boss, praised his side’s display, saying they “deserved a two-goal advantage” for 70-75 minutes, though he acknowledged they would need to “replicate another type of performance” to seal their place in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
High Stakes for the Winner
The winner of this semi-final tie will face either Sheffield Wednesday or Exeter City in the final on May 18, with a spot in the 2024/25 EFL Championship up for grabs.
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