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Steven Schumacher Leads Bolton Wanderers to Promotion to Championship
Bolton Wanderers secured their return to the Championship for the first time since 2019, triumphing over Stockport County with a commanding 4-1 victory in the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
Both clubs have endured difficult spells in recent years, with Bolton experiencing financial problems after their time in the Championship, while Stockport spent time outside the football league in the National League.
Ruben Rodrigues opened the scoring in the third minute, while substitute Sam Dalby added an overhead kick for his 14th goal of the season before Rodrigues sealed victory from the penalty spot.
Stockport believed they had equalised, but a controversial VAR intervention saw referee Josh Smith overturn the on-pitch call, awarding Wanderers a free-kick for a "careless foul" on George Johnston.
Nearly 30,000 Bolton fans celebrated the win at Wembley, while Stockport supporters faced further heartbreak after making the trip three times with all previous visits ending in tears.