Bolton Wanderers secured their place in the League One play-off final with a dramatic victory over Bradford, capped by Xavier Simons' decisive goal at Valley Parade. The midfielder's strike sends the Trotters to Wembley where they'll face Stockport on May 24, 2026, with promotion to the Championship at stake.

The final presents a rematch of sorts, as Stockport defeated Bolton 2-0 on opening day in August 2025, though the Trotters managed a 2-2 draw in their most recent encounter. Simons, who has battled limited playing time this season, proved the hero when it mattered most. Manager Steven Schumacher praised his midfielder's professionalism throughout a challenging campaign.

Bolton's journey back from the brink makes this achievement remarkable. After relegation from the Championship in 2019 and concerns about the club's survival, they rebuilt under Ian Evatt. Their previous play-off final appearance in 2024 ended in defeat to Oxford, but Simons' goal keeps alive hopes of completing a remarkable recovery.

The contrast with Oxford's current plight is stark - relegated from the Championship and now facing a return to League One. Bolton's chance at redemption arrives at Wembley, where Simons' moment of brilliance could spark a return to the second tier just five years after their darkest days.