League One

League 1 Playoff Final 2026: 25/1 Fancy In Five-Goal Thriller At Wembley

2 hours ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

A look ahead to this weekend’s League 1 playoff final between Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County, with William Hill News tipster Tony Incenzo previewing the contest.

A cavalcade of cars, coaches and trains will convey expectant supporters of Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County down from Greater Manchester to the capital for our EFL League One Play-Off Final this weekend.

Bolton v Stockport Odds:

Bolton – 8/5
Draw – 11/5
Stockport – 6/4

The teams were separated by just two points in the completed League table. And excitement has peaked ever since both sides delivered notable performances to win their respective Play-Off Semi-Finals without conceding a goal between them.

Bolton vs Stockport Prediction:

Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Stockport County (25/1)

Consequently the giant prize of Championship membership for 2026/27 is up for grabs. So football betting is fascinating ahead of the ensuing Wembley Stadium showdown.

Here is my extensive preview to assist your analysis of League 1 odds…

2025/26 Head-to-head in League One:

Sunday 3rd August 2025: Stockport County 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Easter Monday 6th April 2026: Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Stockport County

Bolton Wanderers Play-Off Semi-Final Review:

First Leg – Saturday 9th May 2026

Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Bradford City
Attendance: 22,789

Amario Cozier-Duberry notched Wanderers’ strike on the hour mark courtesy of a delightful angled left-footed shot from 15 yards.

Second Leg – Thursday 14th May 2026

Bradford City 0-1 Bolton Wanderers (Bolton win 2-0 on aggregate)
Attendance: 22,381

Again one goal was enough and this time Xavier Simons provided it with nine minutes remaining. Having entered the fray as a second half substitute, Simons produced a crisp finish after some hesitation in the home defence.

Manager Quotes:

Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher said: “I was pleased the goal that took us to Wembley was scored by Xav. He has come through a mixed season finding himself out of the starting X1 and sometimes not being involved in the matchday squad. Yet he is a model professional and fully deserved his moment.

“It was a tough tie against Bradford City. We knew it was going to be difficult going to their ground for the second leg due to the intensity around the game, the spirit of the home crowd and the atmosphere. Therefore they put us under a lot of pressure and my keeper Jack Bonham made some fabulous saves which are needed in big games like this.

“I tried my best to stay calm so I could help my players throughout the occasion. Although it wasn’t easy for me! In fact, it was hard to get tactical advice out on to the pitch because of the loud crowd noise.

“Overall, keeping two clean sheets against Bradford City in the Play-Offs is very good. It took a strong team effort to do it and that’s what got us to Wembley.”

Bolton Wanderers Fact File:

Final position in League One: 5th
Leading scorer: Mason Burstow – 12 goals in League One
Last appearance in the Championship: 2018/19

Stockport County Play-Off Semi-Final Review

First Leg – Saturday 9th May 2026

Stevenage 0-1 Stockport County
Attendance: 7,321

Ben Osborn tickled home County’s goal four minutes into added time at the end amidst some uncharacteristic Keystone Cops-style tomfoolery in the Stevenage rearguard.

Second Leg – Wednesday 13th May 2026

Stockport County 2- 0 Stevenage (Stockport win 3-0 on aggregate)
Attendance: 10,243

Spectacular first half goals via Louie Barry (14 minutes) and leading marksman Kyle Wootton (28 minutes) settled the outcome comfortably in Stockport’s favour.

I particularly liked Wootton’s athletic overhead kick conversion even though it deflected in off the head of Boro centre-back Carl Piergianni.

Manager Quotes:

Stockport County boss Dave Challinor said: “It is amazing for us to be one match away from the Championship. A huge step forward but we possess the opportunity and that is all you can ask for.

“Our supporters have been fantastic this season. It would be lovely if the staff and players could thank the fans by getting promoted. Hopefully we can pull it off and hold up the trophy at Wembley.”