Report: Bolton 1-1 Barnsley – Tight contest ends in a draw
Bolton and Barnsley played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their League One Play-Off Semi Final.
After a cagey first half, it was Barnsley who took the lead through Nicky Cadden – his shot from the edge of the box finding it’s way through a crowd of players to nestle perfectly in the bottom corner. The lead was quickly equalled by Dion Charles.
It was a fast start from the hosts, Aaron Morley’s delivery was met by a Bolton man to set former Huddersfield man Elias Kachunga but he was able to convert and give Bolton the dream start inside the first minute.
The home side forged another chance in the 11th minute. Kachunga leading a breakaway and setting up Dion Charles but latter blazed his shot over the bar.
Barnsley were looking dangerous and in the 18th minute forced a chance, a really well worked set-piece ended with Luca Connell striking a powerful effort which James Trafford spilled but the Yorkshire side were not able to take advantage.
In the 28th minute, Barnsley went close again. A fierce shot from Adam Phillips was followed up by a smart stop from Trafford as Slobodan Tadic tried to put the visitors in front.
Tedic had another chance right before the break, some clever play from Williams who delayed his pass into the forward, but his touch let him down allowing the keeper to smother the ball.
The Visitors took the lead after the break. A goal which Bolton will have been very disappointed with. The Tykes upped their level after the break and keeping the ball alive from set-pieces was becoming key and this is how the goal came about. A red shirt won the first header with the ball falling to Cadden who fired in through the crowd of players into the corner.
The lead was very short lived though as Bolton hit straight back. Randell Williams’ excellent work on the left hand side was rewarded as Dion Charles turned home his cross to bring the hosts level.
However, just as the hosts got themselves level, they could have been behind again. Trafford doing superbly to deny Bobby Thomas.
The Bolton keeper nearly went from hero to Zero in the 89th minute as he came a long way to claim a corner which he failed to do, Camden’s strike was then headed away by the Bolton defence.
Neither team were able to find a winner in the six minutes of injury time.
The tie is evenly poised going into the return leg at Oakwell next Friday.
Image: Bolton FC