Bolton build on cup semi victory with comeback win against Port Vale

Posted Sunday, February 26, 2023 by PA

Wembley-bound Bolton stepped up their Sky Bet League One promotion push with a 2-1 comeback victory over Port Vale.

Wanderers conceded their first goal at the University of Bolton Stadium in more than 16 hours when Ellis Harrison fired the visitors into an eighth-minute lead.

But Ian Evatt’s Papa John’s Trophy finalists hit back with two goals in nine minutes to lay the foundations for a seventh league win in nine games.

Victor Adeboyejo netted 13 times for Burton but had not scored since his move to Wanderers until he headed in Randell Williams’ cross for an 18th-minute equaliser.

Bolton, who stay fourth, six points off an automatic promotion place, continued to improve. Midfielder Josh Sheehan scored his first goal since November 2021 to put the Trotters ahead, though Vale always carried a threat.

On-loan Manchester City keeper James Trafford, earlier beaten for the first time since December 2, 2022, brilliantly turned away Ben Garrity’s effort to deny Vale an equaliser.

The second half was less eventful, although Trafford did produce another stop to deny substitute Tom Conlon.