Bolton (A) - Play-Off Blog #1 of 3

The playoffs are here, and I can't wait!

On Friday night we effectively saw Wednesday drop out of this season's race for the Championship, so it's now one from three: Bolton, Peterborough, and the Reds.

It's the first leg away against the Trotters at the University of Bolton stadium. Promotion is the goal for both teams, but a trip to Wembley is their first objective.

2000+ Barnsley fans made the trip on this beautiful summer Saturday, all hoping that the Football Gods were shining on the Reds, and praying we could take a lead back to fortress Oakwell on Friday! A draw would do me, but a win would have been the icing on the cake.

It was a very nervy and tight first half with two good teams on display. Both sides were battling it out, pushing forward when they could, whilst equally trying to keep it tight at the back. I suspect the Massacre of London Road was playing out in the back of the players' minds throughout the game. Bowing-out at this stage of the competition would be a bitter pill to swallow, and nobody on the pitch wanted that on their shoulders.

Into the second half, and in the early stages we remained in a stalemate, the Reds had some good chances and you could feel a breakthrough was coming. Finally the deadlock was broken. Phillips whipped in the corner, a glancing header lands at Cole's feet, he knocks it back to Nicky Cadden who tees it up before launching a rocket into the bottom corner. One nil to Barnsley and the Red Army go wild.

Our goal celebrations had just about ended when three minutes later Bolton pulled one back, with who else but Dion Charles. The Bolton fans hailed their King, while the disappointed Red's fans looked on in disbelief.

On reflection, a 1-1 draw isn't a bad result, and I dare say many Reds fans would have taken that before the game. A good performance overall, honours, even, let's get em back to Oakwell and smash em!........Peterborough-style.

Enjoy the Vlog: