Bolton ease to victory over Stockport in play-off final

Bolton Wanderers 4 - 1 Stockport County 

Bolton Wanderers sealed a return to the Championship for the first time since 2019 after defeating Stockport County in the League One play-off final.

Author | Curtis R

Stadium | Wembley Stadium

They took the lead inside five minutes when Ruben Rodrigues capitalised on an error from Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai to slot home.

Stockport thought they had an immediate response, but their equaliser was ruled out following a VAR review after Adama Sidibeh was judged to have fouled George Johnston in the build-up.

The striker did eventually draw them level just before the half-hour mark, heading in a flick-on.

Kyle Wootton’s own goal put Bolton back in front after the break, before Sam Dalby’s scissor kick effectively secured the game.

Rodrigues then added a fourth from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Josh Dacres-Cogley was sent off for pulling Ibrahim Cissoko’s hair.

Progression for Bolton. Another failed attempt at promotion for Stockport.

The win ends Bolton’s long absence from the Championship after relegation in 2019.

Stockport, meanwhile, miss out on a return to the second tier for the first time in 24 years.

It is the second Wembley defeat of the season for them, having also lost to Luton Town in the Vertu Trophy final.