Bolton edge out Huddersfield in FA Cup

Bolton Wanderers 2 - 1 Huddersfield Town

Ibrahim Cissoko and Richard Taylor both scored their first goals for Bolton as Wanderers edged past Huddersfield Town.

Author | Mark Scott

Stadium | Toughsheet Community Stadium

The sides met in League One last month in a similarly tight contest, when Bolton also struck late to claim victory. This time, while the drama was more subdued, the result was the same, with the Trotters progressing to Monday’s second-round draw.

Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls kept his side in contention with early saves from Joel Randall and Arsenal loanee Amario Cozier-Duberry, while Josh Feeney headed wide at the other end.

Four minutes before the interval, Cissoko broke the deadlock, sweeping home a left-footed finish from close range after his initial effort was blocked.

The visitors improved after the break

Huddersfield eventually levelled through Bojan Radulovic, who nodded in Ruben Roosken’s cross just past the hour. But parity lasted only six minutes as Taylor restored Bolton’s lead with a header from close range.

Josh Sheehan’s fierce drive was tipped over by Nicholls, yet Huddersfield, now beaten in five consecutive matches, could easily have taken the tie to extra time. Substitute Cameron Ashia went close twice, while Joe Taylor saw his late effort blocked by George Johnston after goalkeeper Tyler Miller fumbled a cross.

Into the hat for the next round! 🎩🏆#bwfc | @officialcarmats pic.twitter.com/mIIYNfMX7M

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) November 1, 2025

Which players stood out for Bolton?

We believe these three players stood out for the home side and helped them to a valuable FA Cup win. 

Richard Taylor | Scored the winning goal after a smart exchange with Dempsey. Combined well with Cissoko down the left and looks to be finding his rhythm.

Josh Sheehan | Another assured display. Dictated the tempo in the first half and, although spaces began to appear after Taylor’s goal, he maintained control and composure.

Ibrahim Cissoko | Full of flair and at times unpredictable, but this was his most influential performance in a Bolton shirt to date. Fully merited his goal.