Both sides had contrasting end to their league-campaigns, as Bolton secured an impressive 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers, while the Tykes suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Peterborough United.
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The first leg of the second League One semi-final playoff tie is set to take place on Saturday with Bolton Wanderers hosting Barnsley at University of Bolton Stadium. The hosts secured a fifth-place finish in the English third tier standings, courtesy of collecting 81 points from 46 games, while the visitors clinched fourth position, separated by five points. Meanwhile both sides had contrasting end to their league-campaigns, as Bolton secured an impressive 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers, while the Tykes suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Peterborough United.
It’s Play-Off time. COYWM!! ✊#bwfc
— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) May 13, 2023
Bolton are heading into the playoff tie on the back of some fine form, having recording five wins, two draws and just one loss from their last eight league-matches. The Wanderers recorded their 23rd third tier victory of the season against Bristol Rovers at Memorial Stadium last Sunday courtesy of goals from Shola Shoretire, Dan Nlundulu and Aaron Morey. Ian Evatte’s side have had a positive season this term, having improved on last season’s ninth-place finish while also winning the EFL Trophy, courtesy of thrashing third-tier champions Plymouth Argyle 4-0 in the final at Wembley last month, thanks to goals from Kyle Dempsey, Dion Charles, Elias Kachunga and Gethin jones. Meanwhile, the Trotters have been good at home this season, having won 12 of their 23 league-matches at University of Bolton Stadium.
Barnsley, on the other hand, didn’t have a great end to their league campaign, recording two defeats and a draw from their final three games. The Tykes lost out to sixth-placed Peterborough last time out courtesy of goals from Jason-Clarke-Harris and Jack Taylor. Nevertheless, a strong run of form between January and March, in which they put together a 12-game unbeaten run including ten wins, helped Michael Duff’s side secure a fourth-place finish, with 86 points to their name. Meanwhile, Barnsley have won five of their last ten league-matches on the road.
These two sides have faced each other three times this season, with the hosts securing a dominant 3-0 win in the league last time out in January. Charles Dion’s 12th-minute penalty kick and one goal each from Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Kyle Dempsey helped The Wanderers record their eighth victory against Barnsley across all competitions. Prior to that, the Tykes got the better of Bolton 2-1 in the FA Cup clash in November, while a month before that, the reverse fixture in the third tier at University of Bolton stadium ended in a goalless draw. Saturday’s encounter will be the 21st clash between these two clubs and Bolton have a clear advantage when it comes to the head-to-head, having won eight times, compared to just two victories for the Tykes and ten meetings ended in draws.
| Key Details | Stats |
| Total matches | 20 |
| Bolton won | 8 |
| Barnsley won | 2 |
| Draws | 10 |
| Total Bolton goals | 37 |
| Total Barnsley goals | 27 |
| Biggest Bolton win | 3-0 (2023) |
| Biggest Barnsley win | 2-1 (2022) |
| Last 5 match-results | Score |
| Bolton beat Barnsley | 0-3 |
| Barnsley beat Bolton | 1-2 |
| Bolton draw Barnsley | 0-0 |
| Bolton beat Barnsley | 1-0 |
| Barnsley draw Bolton | 2-2 |
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