Rodrigues at the Double to Fire Bolton Up to Championship

Bolton Wanderers emerged as 4–1 victors against Stockport County in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final on Sunday afternoon.

Bolton Wanderers vs Stockport County

Bolton Wanderers sealed promotion to the Championship with a thrilling 4–1 victory over Stockport County in the League One Play-Off Final on Sunday afternoon, after a trio of second-half goals spoiled Stockport’s hopes of a Wembley win.

It was all square at the break after Adama Sidibeh cancelled out Ruben Rodrigues’ third minute opener, until a formidable second half found Bolton three goals to the good courtesy of a Kyle Wootton own goal, Sam Dalby and Rodrigues’ second.

Bolton entered this game having already appeared in three League One Play-Off campaigns in the last four seasons, making the final in 2024, where they were held to a 2–0 defeat by Oxford United.

Meanwhile, Stockport held a similar record, with it being their second consecutive play-off series. Last season, they suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat in the semi-finals against Leyton Orient.

The game got off to a lightning start in Wembley’s blistering heat. Bolton had the wealth of possession to begin with, which they soon converted into the opening goal three minutes in. Thierry Gale drilled his strike low from range, which was parried out to Mason Burstow, whose cut-back found Rodrigues in a poised position to fire into the Stockport net.

The Hatters thought they had pulled one back almost instantly, as Adama Sidibeh ran in behind Oli Norwood’s lofted ball, before rifling the ball into Jack Bonham’s near post. However, unfortunately for Stockport, VAR played its part in chalking off the equaliser, in light of Sidibeh’s foul in the build-up.

Stockport weren’t going to let that get the better of them, as the following 10 saw Dave Challinor’s men amount several chances in the Bolton penalty area. Both Odin Bailey and Kyle Wootton had their chances to test Bonham, though the Whites prevailed.

However, it was right on the half-hour mark when Stockport saw the net ripple, as Sidibeh had finally grabbed his deserved goal. The talisman leaped to reach the end of Bailey’s in-swinging cross, before heading it backwards into the bottom-left corner to bring his Wembley total to two this season.

Stockport celebrations

Bolton had the remaining 15 minutes under control, though didn’t pose much threat going forward, other than a couple of audacious long-range strikes from Amario Cozier-Duberry and Jordi Osei-Tutu.

Following a civil eight minutes added on, both teams found their way into the interval with a goal apiece.

Half-Time: Bolton Wanderers 1–1 Stockport County

Both sides came out from the break rejuvenated, with the half getting underway with Josh Sheehan’s low-driven strike from the edge of the area. However, Addai managed to get a strong enough hand to parry away.

Sidibeh continued to utilise his electric pace to push Stockport forward, with the №29 finding acres of space down the left, before whipping the ball across the box, finding nobody but a white shirt.

The deadlock was then shattered 64 minutes in, courtesy of a Stockport own goal. Cozier-Duberry found himself within shooting distance on the right flank, as his effort flashed across goal, ricocheting off both Addai and Wootton, with the latter eventually pushing the ball into his own net to put Bolton a goal to the good.

Whilst Bolton had the lead after an hour, the Hatters weren’t out just yet. They had a monumental chance to level things up almost instantly, with Tanto Olaofe letting fire inside the six-yard box. However, Bonham was there to miraculously save the substitute’s attempt, keeping the Whites’ slender lead intact.

Entering the final 20 minutes, Bolton’s only ambition was to seal the win. They remained persistent in attack, consistently battling to get the ball in the box.

Their tenacity was soon rewarded in the 81st minute, as Sam Dalby tried his luck with an audacious overhead-kick. The effort managed to fire past Addai, extending the lead and all but securing the Whites’ promotion to the Championship.

Despite Steven Schumacher’s men having a two goal margin and 10 minutes of sturdy defensive work, the game wasn’t done just yet. Former Wanderer Josh Dacres-Cogley was caught by VAR for a hair-pull on Ibrahim Cissoko inside the penalty area. Upon the review, the full-back was handed a straight red and Bolton were awarded a spot-kick.

The man who buried the first goal of the afternoon, Ruben Rodrigues, stepped up to take and tucked it past Addai to send the West-End of Wembley into ecstasy and kickstart Bolton Wanderers’ promotion party.

Having played over 100 minutes of football, the final whistle was blown to confirm the fate of both sides heading into next season.

Full-Time: Bolton Wanderers 4–1 Stockport County

[embed]WATCH: Bolton Wanderers vs Stockport County Match Highlights

Line-Ups:

Bolton Wanderers: Bonham (GK), Osei-Tutu, Forino, Johnston ©, Conway (Christie 76’), Sheehan, Simons (Dalby 62’), Gale (Cissoko 72’), Rodrigues, Cozier-Duberry, Burstow (McAtee 72’). Unused Subs: Harrington, Erhahon, Dempsey

Stockport County: Addai (GK), Dacres-Cogley, Edun (Connolly 90+5’), Pye, Wootton, Barry (Diamond 65’), Osborn (Mothersille 81’), Norwood ©, Bailey, Stokes (Andrésson 65’), Sidibeh (Olaofe 65’). Unused Subs: Hinchliffe, Florini

Sunday 24th May 2026, 13:00 BST, Wembley Stadium

Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final

Attendance: 48,268

Referee: Josh Smith