Bolton head coach Ian Evatt said his side deserved their two-goal lead as they beat Barnsley 3-1 at Oakwell in their League One play-off semi-final first leg.
A Dion Charles double left the visitors looking comfortable at 2-0 before Barnsley substitute Sam Cosgrove halved the deficit with 15 to play.
But Randell Williams scored directly from a corner in stoppage time to give Wanderers a healthy lead to defend in Tuesday’s home second leg.
“I think for 75 minutes it was a very, very good, controlled away display,” Evatt said.
“We managed the environment really well.
“We knew they’d come after us aggressively and probably had to play over the press a little more than we usually do.
“I thought we had complete control, we deserved the two-goal lead and then a lapse in concentration, because they’re consistently asking you questions defensively and my two centre-halves go for the same ball and leave a spare man in the box on a transition.
“It changed the momentum and the environment a little bit and we had to weather a little bit of a storm and dig in and Nathan (Baxter) has made some big saves.
“But I was really pleased with the way we settled after that initial probably five to six minutes after the goal. We had a big chance with Kyle (Dempsey) and then the importance of set plays. We looked a threat and danger from set plays all night.
“I’m delighted that we managed to get the third because overall I thought we deserved that two-goal lead.”
Interim Barnsley head coach Martin Devaney said: “It’s hard to take. I thought when Sam scored, that momentum, we had it. We had two good chances with Adam Phillips.
“It’s hard to take. I think they are three sloppy goals really, but the lads showed some really good stuff at times.
“It’s a poor set piece (to concede) where individuals have to do their jobs.
“The lads have done well tonight and they played some really good stuff. In the first half I thought we started the better.
“Once we got back in the game at 2-1, I thought it was only going to look like us to get back in it and get that second goal.
“There’s still a lot to play for, I think the lads have got to be positive.
“Chest out, heads up, we go again. If we get that early goal, we can make it a hell of a game.”
On his side’s goal, Devaney said: “We felt like we were right back in the game. The atmosphere, the buzz was there.
“I’m really disappointed with conceding the corner, but we’ve got to be positive and go there and try and get that early goal.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Let's see at the statistics of the 4 Lords. And Man City are back. PSG are reportedly helping save Lyon from RELEGATION to Ligue 2! PALMEIRAS BEAT BOTAFOGO IN EXTRA TIME TO REACH THE LAST EIGHT OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have The HARDEST ROUTE to The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup FINAL! It took a long delay and extra time, but Chel...
Williams demands guarantee from Barca amid fears of Olmo situationAccording to Marca, Nico Williams has reportedly informed Athletic Club through his agent that he wants to don the Barcelona shirt from next season and is close to signing a six-year contract. However, the player reportedly wants a guarantee from Barca that they will be able to register him with La Liga after triggering his release ...
ATLANTA -- Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique warned his players against ignoring the offensive threats of Inter Miami in Sunday's Club World Cup round-of-16 match, emphasizing the damage that can be done by experienced stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets."Anyone who relaxes for 10 seconds in football already knows where they are. It's not like there's no dou...
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for a third successive season in 2024-25 – but the fact that Liverpool leapfrogged them was undoubtedly frustrating.In 2022-23, the Gunners were runners-up with 84 points, five points behind champions Manchester City. A year later, they improved to 89 points, closing the gap to Pep Guardiola's side to two points.The 2024-25 campaign looked like t...
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen to bring in his former colleague Acacio Valentim as part of a coaching reshuffle.The Portuguese boss is eager to avoid another disappointing season following a wretched first year in charge. In his debut season, Amorim led the Red Devils to a 14th place finish in the Premier League and suffered defeat in the Europa League final against Spur...
Cristiano Ronaldo to join up with Portuguese boss at Al-NassrAl-Nassr have reached an agreement with veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus and look set to announce him as their new manager.The Saudi Pro League club have been looking for a new manager following Stefano Pioli’s decision to step down and return to Italy with Fiorentina.Jesus, 70, who left Al-Hilal at the end of the 2024-25 campa...
Raphinha keen to see Nico Williams at BarcelonaBarcelona winger Raphinha was full of praise for reported target Nico Williams as the club step up their pursuit of the Spain international.Barcelona are working tirelessly to bring the 22-year-old to the Camo Nou having been heavily linked with him for the past two years.Williams is understood to be keen on the move but his current club, Athletic, ar...
Alexander-Arnold: Real Madrid won't take Juventus lightlyTrent Alexander-Arnold says Real Madrid players are determined to win the Club World Cup.Real will meet Juventus in the tournament's round of 16 this weekend.New fullback signing Alexander-Arnold declared: "Both are very good teams (City and Juve), not least because they made it through the group stage."It's always going to be tough, no matt...
Pogba drops fresh Monaco move teaser onlinePaul Pogba has hinted he's set to undergo his medical with AS Monaco.The France international is due to sign for Monaco as a free agent after he passes his medical tests in the Principality.Pogba has dropped a hint on social media about his activities amid reports that he is due in France this weekend to complete his return to football.Pogba posted a self...
Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World CupBarcelona ace Raphinha has criticised the sheer number of game top clubs are having to play as the FIFA Club World Cup reaches the latter stages.Barcelona missed out on a place in the FIFA Club World Cup due to their poor performances in recent Champions League campaign.Raphinha doesn’t appear to be too bothered, however, hitting...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Arsenal interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera
- 3 Wayne Rooney gets Erling Haaland ponytail in shock new look
- 4 Arsenal have little chance of Liverpool target
- 5 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 6 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 7 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 8 Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man City
- 9 Club World Cup 2025: Benfica v Chelsea predictions, best bets and odds
- 10 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025