Bolton go into the play-offs on the back of an away win at Bristol Rovers

By Sports Desk May 07, 2023

Bolton warmed up for the Sky Bet League One play-offs with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

On-loan Manchester United striker Shola Shoretire put Bolton in front in the 24th minute, tapping in a goalbound effort from Gethin Jones – who soon limped off.

Things went from bad to worse four minutes later for Bolton as Luca Hoole nodded in the equaliser after Sam Finley’s cross cannoned off the woodwork and then Josh Coburn’s header crashed off the crossbar.

Wanderers boss Ian Evatt’s injury worries deepened after the break as Shoretire hobbled off but replacement Daniel Nlundulu eased those concerns as the Southampton loanee restored the visitors’ lead with 20 minutes remaining with a 20-yard strike.

Aaron Morley doubled Bolton’s advantage in the 78th minute with a long-range effort before Rovers substitute John Marquis slotted home from close range with five minutes remaining.

It set up a tense finale and the hosts came close to earning a point when Scott Sinclair’s stoppage-time strike hit the bar.

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    A game dubbed the 'Hollywood derby' was given a blockbuster start when Jack Marriot smashed home the opening goal for the visitors with just two minutes on the clock. 

    But Birmingham's £10million recruit Stansfield soon levelled the scores, being the first to react to Alfie May's effort that was parried into his path by Arthur Okonkwo. 

    The hosts then took hold of the encounter as May and Taylor Gardner-Hickman went close, but the game entered the break finely poised at St. Andrew's.

    However, Blues' dominance prevailed seven minutes after the restart with Stansfield's header picking out the far corner following Alex Cochrane's pinpoint cross. 

    And the points were sealed just before the hour-mark in stunning fashion as Tomoki Iwata's strike from distance smashed in off the post, much to the delight of minority owner Tom Brady in the stands.

    A fiesty conclusion to proceedings saw Chris Davies' side end the game with a man less after Krystian Bielik was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Andrew Cannon, but Birmingham were able to hold on for the win. 

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    Much was made of Birmingham's approach to the transfer window after spending £25m in their attempts to return the Championship at the first time of asking, but their biggest investment proved his worth on Monday.

    Stansfield notched his first two goals for the club since his permanent switch from Fulham, but the Blues striker also played a starring role in the encounter. 

    He registered an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.12 to Birmingham's 1.3 total, while he also produced more shots on target (three) and touches in the opposition box (six) than any other player. 

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    A game dubbed the 'Hollywood derby' was given a blockbuster start when Jack Marriot smashed home the opening goal for the visitors with just two minutes on the clock. 

    But Birmingham's £10million recruit Stansfield soon levelled the scores, being the first to react to Alfie May's effort that was parried into his path by Arthur Okonkwo. 

    The hosts then took hold of the encounter as May and Taylor Gardner-Hickman went close, but the game entered the break finely poised at St. Andrew's.

    However, Blues' dominance prevailed seven minutes after the restart with Stansfield's header picking out the far corner following Alex Cochrane's pinpoint cross. 

    And the points were sealed just before the hour-mark in stunning fashion as Tomoki Iwata's strike from distance smashed in off the post, much to the delight of minority owner Tom Brady in the stands.

    A fiesty conclusion to proceedings saw Chris Davies' side end the game with a man less after Krystian Bielik was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Andrew Cannon, but Birmingham were able to hold on for the win. 

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