The Voice - Match preview League One Playoff Semi-Final: Bolton Wanderers vs Bradford City Saturday 9th May 2026 8:00pm

Well, I might be in a minority but I'm delighted with that result. Bolton are a very good team who can destroy teams but we fought like dogs and came away with only a one goal deficit. Does anyone think their players or their fans are relishing coming to VP where we've had so many great nights over the years. Also I believe that this is really the playoff final. Whoever wins will win at Wembley based on what I saw earlier today. We've got a fantastic chance to make history here. Thursday could be a magic night. Believe.

 

How confident would we be going to Burden with a 1-0 lead

 

I think he'll pick the same starting XI on Thursday. Maybe Tyreik for Lapslie but depends on the former's fitness, as he went down injured right at the end of the match.

 

Could have been worse, still in with a chance

 

A good chance

 

I'll take that. Thought Bolton could have scored 1 or 2 more on another day. Thought we defended well up until their goal.

Still in the tie and all to play for on Thursday.

 

It is half time. We have a few days to relax train and come back and play at VP. I think we played well, could do better but we will see what Thursday brings us.

I would back us against any team at VP. TW made difference when he came on.

 

Correct but their players on loan cost a boat load . Let’s be honest here.?

 

I was screaming pen at the time, I couldn't believe he wasn't giving it. I fully expected him to point at the spot. Two ex pros in the studio saying they didn't think it was a pen and I hate to be rational but I'll bow yo their judgement and accept that my vested interest was clouding my judgement.

 

How much?

 

He's about 60 yards away. All he can see is the shirt numbers of both players. No way he can see it properly. It's a blatant foul mind and the linesman should be giving it.

 

They'll be gutted they aren't 2 up. I reckon a lot of their fans would've felt they need a 2 goal lead prior to kick off. I think we go into the 2nd leg with the same chance of winning the tie as we did before tonight. Completely neutral result tonight.

 

Can't really agree, bud, I think that set play is so clear you'd struggle to miss it from Row Z at the other side of the stadium.

Jackson CLEARLY bursts past him, beats him HANDS DOWN for pace and position, and the only way I'd let the ref off is if Jackson went down on his own - potential for a dive - but given their player goes down as a result of the foul, it's a screamingly obvious one.

Defender, out of position, losing the battle, drags his player down.

Can't really see any other plausible interpretation.

 

Not for me Jon, I'd be disappointed if that was given against us. For me a decent striker gets a shot off from what was the pass of the match from Tyreik Wright.

 

Sorry can’t agree Jackson ran out of steam should have got the shot away. Never a penalty

 

I think the second referee was better

 

Agreed - and here is the issue with signing forwards rather than out and out strikers.

 

He should've gone with balance of probability, you're right. Jackson is beating him for pace and they both go down. Obviously very likely that he's been pulled down. Ref's perspective - he sees the backs of two players running side by side from 60 yards away, possibly with his view obscured by other players and they both go over, high stakes as it will have to be a yellow, he can't be 100% certain so he ducks out. Obviously if he has the view we have on the replay he gives the free kick. The lino is the guilty party here imo.

 

Listen whatever happens we would have all been over the moon to be at this

A crowd pushing 23k for the chance of getting promoted at Wembley and if it fails so what at least we are in for another season of decent games rather than the shite we had to put up for years and years

 

No offence but that's absolute nonsense. We're far less likely to go through after losing the first leg.