Bolton Wanderers 4-1 Stockport County: EFL League One Playoff Final Report & Player Ratings

Bolton Wanderers 4-1 Stockport County: Match Report & Player Ratings

Bolton Wanderers returned to the EFL Championship just seven years after near liguidation with a strong 4-1 victory at Wembley over Stockport County in the EFL League One playoff final.

It was an action packed start at the national stadium, whilst yesterday's Championship playoff final took 94 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, Bolton needed just three to hit the first blow over their fellow Greater Manchester opponents.

After a long-ranged shot had struck the post, a follow-up cross was palmed out by Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai, straight into the path of Bolton's Ruben Rodrigues who had the simple task of stroking home to put his side in the lead with an early advantage.

"Incredible start for Bolton!"

Ruben Rodrigues puts Bolton into an early lead in the play-off final ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/H39gXtx5Ot

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 24, 2026

Stockport thought they had equalised just minutes later, as striker Adama Sidibeh finished well from a tight angle after running through on goal, however the Gambian foward was judged to have fouled Bolton's last defender who had been taken down accidently by Sidineh, allowing the striker to run clean through.

That decision may have been deemed as harsh given the lack of intent from Sidibeh, but he would soon get his moment under the arch as a cross found the head of the Gambian midway through the first period, who directed his effort well into the far bottom corner to level the scores.

Half Time: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Stockport County

Bolton nearly had a similar start to the second half as they did the first, as a shot from distance was low, fierce and on target by Josh Sheehan. However Addai was equal to it with a strong save.

Bolton's start to the second half saw them have another sight at goal minutes later as Rodrigues, the scorer of the opening goal in the game, saw the ball cut back to him in the Stockport penalty area, had a shot which just went wide of the goal frame.

That early dominance from Bolton would pay off just beyond the hour mark, as a cross from young winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, was diverted into his own goal by Stockport defender Kyle Wootton, giving Bolton a priceless lead.

Stockport's response to going behind once more was good, with the team in blue and white having two chances in quick succession. Isaac Olaofe had a effort from close-range well saved by Jack Bonham in goal for Bolton, rushing out and closing the angle. And soon after, Stockport's Ben Osborn had a effort potentially goal-bound blocked.

The next goal would be crucial, but despite Stockport's momentum, it would go to Bolton to earn them a two-gaol advantage.

Substitute Sam Dalby had his back to goal, and whilst wrestling with a Stockport defender, brilliantly swung his body to acrobatically strike the ball into the net to send the bolton fans wild with joy with promotion in their grasp.

Bolton's Player of the Year Sam Dalby with a cracker of a goal at Wembley!! 😍 pic.twitter.com/iVNqA4Wil0

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 24, 2026

Stockport needed a miracle in the final stages to salvage their chances, but instead another goal conceded came their way. As a VAR check ruled Stockport right-back Josh Dacres-Cogley pulled the hair of Bolton's Ibrahim Cissoko in the box, resulting in a red card and a penalty.

Rodrigues stepped up and tucked home, securing promotion for Bolton with his second of the game. As the Trotters earned a place back in the second tier of English football.

Full-Time: Bolton Wanderers 4-1 Stockport County

Player Ratings

Bolton Player Ratings

• Bonham (GK): 7

• Osei-Tutu: 7

• Forino-Joseph: 7

• Conway: 6

• Simons: 6

• Sheehan: 6

• Cozier-Buberry: 6

• Rodrigues: 9

• Gale; 7

• Burstow: 6

Stockport Player Ratings

• Addai: 6

• Dacres-Cogley: 3

• Wootton: 4

• Pye: 6

• Edun: 5

• Osborn: 6

• Norwood: 6

• Bailey: 6

• Barry: 6

• Sidibeh: 6

• Stokes: 5

Player Of The Match: Ruben Rodrigues

Attacking midfielder Rodri Rodrigues was the man of the moment at Wembley for Bolton, scoring two goals. The first of which was crucial to open the scoring in the contest, and the final one to seal the deal for his side in the last minutes.

Bad Day At The Office: Josh Dacres-Cogley

It was a day to forget for Stockport and particulary for defender Josh Dacres-Cogley. Facing his former club, he was part of a defence that saw themselves beaten at Wembley, and he himself received a stragiht red card in the final stages.