Barnsley 1 – 0 Bolton

Barnsley booked their spot in the Sky Bet League One play-off final after beating Bolton 2-1 on aggregate.

After a cagey 1-1 draw in the first leg at the University of Bolton Stadium in the first leg, Liam Kitching scored the only goal at Oakwell on Friday night to seal the Tykes’ passage to Wembley.

They will face Sheffield Wednesday on Monday May 29, with the chance to bounce straight back to the Championship after last season’s dismal relegation.

Barnsley seal final spot in tense night at Oakell

Just like in the first leg it was Barnsley who struck first, as a brilliant cross from Luca Connell on 24 minutes found the head of Kitching, who was still up the pitch following a free-kick and rose highest to plant a header past James Trafford.

Bolton were struggling to create chances and Ian Evatt made a whole heap of changes after the break in an attempt to get his side back into the game.

But it was Barnsley who continued to threaten more, and went so close to doubling their lead as Adam Phillips struck the crossbar with a dipping volley from the edge of the box on 66 minutes.

The Trotters were presented with a golden opportunity to level the game on 75 minutes as Mads Anderson’s backpass was handled by Harry Isted, presenting them with a free-kick inside the box. But Aaron Morley smashed the resulting effort over the bar.

And that would be that, with Bolton condemned to another season in League One.

Duff: We executed our plan

Barnsley’s Michael Duff on Sky Sports Football:

“We were good, the pressing was brilliant, we had to suffer for 15 or 20 minutes at the start of the season half – they’re a good team. We thought about changing it but there’s a trust between me and the players now and they executed it. It’s a surreal feeling.

“We know about the record when we go 1-0 up or 1-0 down. We said before the game no matter what happens stick to what we do. Some of the defending, the blocks, the shape and then when we do see a negative pass we try to get after it, that’s what I thought we did really well.”

Evatt: We gave it everything, but couldn’t find solutions

Bolton’s Ian Evatt on Sky Sports Football:

“It was a really tight game. We started the first half the better, had control and there was some frustration from them. The goal came out of the blue, I don’t think it’s a foul. In these tight games fine margins really make a difference. We conceded from a second phase set play, they’re really strong from that, and it took us a while to recover.

“We had lots of the ball, didn’t really penetrate enough, and then started the second half on top, controlled the ball. There were some nerves from them. Barnsley are so well organised and once you give them a goal start, it’s really hard to break them down.

“We just couldn’t find the solutions in the second half. The players gave it everything and I’m really proud of the football club. The supporters were absolutely magnificent.

“From this point on, it’s about how we get better. Expectations are changing. Barnsley were in the Championship last season, we were in the League Two two seasons ago. We’re making good, solid progress but expectations are going to be sky high and rightly so next season.”

Analysis: Barnsley controlled the tie

Joe Jacobson on Sky Sports Football:

“It was a typical Barnsley performance. They got their noses in front from a second phase set play and defended really, really well. They limited Bolton to very few chances, if any.

“Towards the end, Bolton went long when they didn’t really want to and it played into Barnsley’s hands, who were quite comfortable in the end.

“Ian Evatt said after the first leg he didn’t really see the true Bolton and it was the same tonight. For them not to show the best version of themselves, he’ll be disappointed with that.”

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk on Sky Sports Football:

“It’s a fitting final and a good time for Yorkshire football.”

“Bolton didn’t provide a massive threat but equally 1-0 is a precarious scoreline. These fans massively played their part, they were willing them on, especially towards the end.”

Player of the Match – Luca Connell

What’s next?

While Bolton will remain in Sky Bet League One for the 2023/24 campaign, Barnsley will play Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium at 3pm on Monday May 29 for a place in the Sky Bet Championship.