Bolton secure Championship promotion as own goal, overhead kick and hair pull sinks Stockport

Bolton Wanderers are back in the EFL Championship for the first time in seven years after beating Stockport County in a dramatic play-off final.

The Trotters endured an ignominious exit from the second tier back in 2019 amid financial turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the club's future.

But they completed their remarkable return in style with a thrilling victory in the biggest game of their season.

Bolton made the perfect start and struck after just three minutes through Ruben Rodrigues.

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The attacking midfielder fired Wanderers ahead early on to spark wild celebrations among the Bolton supporters.

Stockport thought they had levelled shortly afterwards when Adama Sidibeh found the net.

However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review to hand Bolton a reprieve.

Sidibeh would not be denied for long, though.

The striker eventually hauled Stockport level with a deserved equaliser as the contest exploded into life.

Bolton regained the advantage in fortunate circumstances after the break when Kyle Wootton inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

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Stockport pushed hard for another equaliser and almost found one through Tanto Olaofe.

But goalkeeper Jack Bonham produced a stunning save to preserve Bolton's lead in one of the defining moments of the afternoon.

Bolton eventually gave themselves breathing space thanks to a brilliant finish from Sam Dalby.

The striker's remarkable free kick made it 3-1 and left Stockport facing an uphill battle.

Things then went from bad to worse for County late on when former Bolton defender Josh Dacres-Cogley lost his composure.

The full-back was shown a red card after pulling the hair of Ibrahim Cissoko inside the penalty area.

Rodrigues stepped up to confidently dispatch the resulting penalty and seal Bolton's return to the Championship in emphatic fashion.

It also marked Bolton's first victory over Stockport this season following one defeat and one draw during the regular campaign.

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