Liam Kitching’s first-half opener was enough to ensure Barnsley progress to the Sky Bet League One play-off final with victory over Bolton Wanderers.
The tie was delicately poised following a tight 1-1 draw in the first leg at the University of Bolton Stadium and it was the Tykes that sealed their place at Wembley Stadium.
With spectators barely in their seats, Ian Evatt’s side were nearly masters of their own downfall as Aaron Morley’s loose ball fell to Slobodan Tedić whose cross was deflected away for a corner.
It was an open tie, unlike the cagey affair that took place in the previous encounter, and it was Barnsley who opened the scoring with 23 minutes on the clock. Kitching’s header looped over James Trafford from Luca Connell’s superb delivery on the left.
The Whites didn’t look like their usual selves as the Tykes continued to have the upper hand in the second half. Adam Phillips nearly doubled Barnsley’s lead just before the 70-minute mark as his thunderous volley bounced off of the crossbar.
A Barnsley defensive error nearly lead to the visiting side drawing level. Mads Juel Andersen passed to goalkeeper Harry Isted and the former Luton Town man handled the ball inside the box and as a result an indirect free-kick was awarded.
Morley stepped up but his effort flew over, narrowly evading the top right-hand corner.
Despite bringing on experienced striker Cameron Jerome in the latter stages, Bolton couldn’t break down a robust Barnsley defence. Tykes full-back Jordan Williams should have scored their second of the evening in added time, however, his shot went wide.
Barnsley will now lock horns with Sheffield Wednesday in the final on 29th May, a fascinating tie awaits. For Bolton meanwhile, they will be looking to compete for promotion once again next season.
After the victory, Barnsley boss Michael Duff told Barnsley’s website that he thought his side deserved the win.
‘The lads played brilliantly today. I thought they executed the game plan perfectly, I thought we picked the right team and the supporters turned up. We deserved it in the end, it was two really tight games but I thought we shaded it.’
Barnsley: Isted, Williams, B.Thomas, Andersen, Kitching, Cadden, Phillips (Benson 85’), Connell (Russell 84’), Kane, Tedić (Norwood 65’), Cole (L.Thomas 87’).
Unused substitutes: Collins, Cotter, Watters
Bolton Wanderers: Trafford, Santos, Johnston, Charles, Nlundulu (Adeboyejo 67’), Morley (Jerome 85’), Toal, Bradley, Dempsey (Sheehan 73’), Thomason (Kachunga 67’), Williams (John 73’)
Unused substitutes: Dixon, MJ Williams
Attendance: 16,274
Writer’s view
Barnsley were deserved winners in the end, having been on top in both legs.
Bolton will certainly be disappointed that they will not be making another trip to Wembley, but they should be competing near the top of the table next season.
Billericay Town Media Assistant | Work for The Non-League Paper, VAVEL, Phoenix FM & others | Part of The Football Writers Association | BBC Young Reporter Winner 2023
