Barnsley Vs Bolton, League One Play-Off Semi Final First Leg Preview

Four teams and one promotion spot remain. The play-offs are the biggest lottery at the end of the campaign, where teams from third to sixth play for the right to join the two automatic promoted sides in the Championship. 

In a re-run of last year’s semi-final, Bolton and Barnsley lock horns at Oakwell on Friday evening, with the ticket to Wembley separating the two sides by two ninety-minute legs of football with the potential for extra time if the outcome is level. 

A play-off campaign requires momentum, but neither team has been particularly impressive in recent weeks. Despite Bolton's natural dissatisfaction after Derby County's second-place finish, they may feel motivated to exact revenge for their semi-final loss to the same opponents.

Barnsley, having not won in six games and having sacked their manager just before the season ended, has struggled to secure a spot in the top six. They will be grateful to Champions Portsmouth for their victory over Lincoln City on the final day, which secured Barnsley's final play-off spot.

Bolton effectively wrapped up third spot after a draw against Peterborough United on the final day, and after a seven-game unbeaten streak, they’ll be hopeful they can continue this in Yorkshire on Friday night.