‘Dangerous’ Bolton come full circle for play-off finalImage source, ShutterstockImage caption, Xavier Simons has scored five goals in his senior career, including two for Bolton Wanderers this seasonPublished56 minutes agoOn 3 August 2025 it all began.On 24 May 2026 it will end.Stockport kicked off their 2025-26 campaign with a 2-0 win at home against Bolton Wanderers.
And the same fixture brings the curtain down on each club’s campaigns as they contest the League One play-off final, with both vying for a spot in the Championship having had near misses with promotions in recent seasons.
Bolton set up their place in that final by beating Bradford over two legs, but they have not overcome Stockport this season.
Following their opening day defeat at Edgeley Park, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dave Challinor’s side at home last month, with the Hatters taking this season’s bragging rights into the trip to Wembley.
“Every time we’ve played them it’s close and always tight. They’ve got some good players but we’re looking forward to it,” Bolton boss Steven Schumacher told BBC Radio Manchester.
“We know what’s at stake and we have to be prepared as best we possibly can.”
Xavier Simons, who scored the goal that clinched the second leg for Bolton on Thursday at Valley Parade, is less diplomatic about their prospects.
“It’s not easy,” he mentioned. “We know when we’re at it, we are a very dangerous team, a team that can win games and that’s what we’re going to do.”
