Bolton Wanderers continued their League One charge with a dominant 4-1 away victory against Stevenage, maintaining their unbeaten streak in eight matches.
With this impressive run, Bolton have now secured six wins and a draw, cementing their place as promotion contenders.
Bolton Strike Early to Seize Control
Bolton set the pace early in the match, establishing a comfortable lead within the first 20 minutes. Ricardo Santos and John McAtee each struck in quick succession, leaving Stevenage struggling to respond. Santos opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed corner that he met with precision at the back post. Just minutes later, McAtee capitalized on a defensive error, volleying the ball home after a partially cleared free-kick landed at his feet on the edge of the box.
Stevenage managed to show flashes of resistance, particularly in the first half, but struggled to create meaningful chances. Captain Carl Piergianni felt he should have been awarded a penalty around the hour mark when he was pushed down in the area. However, the referee waved play on, a decision that proved costly as Bolton quickly countered, widening the gap further.
Late Drama and a Bolton Showcase
Victor Adeboyejo further extended Bolton’s lead, slotting home after a quick-fire break caught the Stevenage defence off-guard. The goal, a powerful strike into the roof of the net, left Stevenage’s goalkeeper helpless and Bolton firmly in control at 3-0.
Stevenage did manage a brief revival when Dan Kemp found the back of the net in the 70th minute, securing his first goal for the club. His effort seemed to momentarily revive the home side’s spirits, with a glimmer of hope lighting up the Lamex Stadium. However, the resurgence was short-lived as Bolton’s Dion Charles closed out the night, calmly finishing a sweeping move in the 88th minute to seal the win at 4-1.
Stevenage held more possession and had 33 box touches but struggled to convert, with Bolton edging them in shots on target (6-5). The result leaves Bolton’s fans optimistic for what lies ahead as they continue their impressive League One campaign.
Writer’s View
Bolton’s display was a powerful statement about their promotion intentions, combining offensive firepower with a solid defence. While Stevenage showed resilience, their lack of clinical finishing and controversial penalty decision contributed to a disappointing outcome. For Stevenage, finding solutions upfront remains key to competing with teams of Bolton’s calibre.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
