Bolton Wanderers fans react as they get to Wembley for Play-Offs

The Whites, despite losing 2-3 to Barnsley last night, May 7, made it through to the iconic stadium, beating the South Yorkshire side 5-4 on aggregate. 

The Toughsheet Community Stadium was in raptures as throngs of fans rushed the pitch at full time following a tense last 20 minutes, where a single Barnsley goal would have sent it to extra time. 

Peterborough United and Oxford United play their second match in the other semi-final this evening, May 8, the winner of which will face Bolton in the Wembley final on May 18 to decide who gets promoted to the Championship. 

Cllr John Walsh, a lifetime Wanderers fan, has made it to every match home and away this season and was there last night. 

He said: "As I said to my wife, I have never seen a crowd so happy at losing a match, but going to Wembley was all-important. 

Dale Peters and Theo, aged 7, from Little Lever following the win (Image: Public)

"I have not missed a match once this year, I have travelled from Exeter to Carlisle, including Cambridge twice, once only for 8-9 minutes. 

"I am just making arrangements for Wembley, a coach, we did it for the cup final last season and I have been asked to repeat it. 

"I took a provisional booking when they got to the play-offs, I know it was wishful thinking but you have to hope!" 

Read more: Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Barnsley (5-4 agg) - as it happened 

Read more: MATCH REPORT: Wanderers reach Wembley after a nail-biter against Barnsley 

Read more: 'We have to enjoy it' - Evatt determined to make most of Wembley opportunity

Cllr Andy Morgan at the end of the match (Image: Cllr Andy Morgan)

He added: "Clearly the fans enjoyed it last night and I don't like pitch invasions in that sense because I want to see the players enjoying it, but I can understand the elation having gone through after a nail-biting last few minutes. 

"Got to make sure at Wembley the team are up for it and let's hopefully look forward to seeing some new grounds next year!" 

Cllr Andy Morgan, who was also at the match, said: "It was an absolutely amazing atmosphere, probably one of the best in a long time, the stadium was rocking. 

"It is typical Bolton Wanderers, they put us through the mill but at the end of the day we got the right result, we're off to Wembley and I can't wait. 

"Yes I will be going, hopefully I will be going down as the Mayor, if not I will make it down on my own steam. 

Fans on the pitch at the end of the match (Image: Cllr Andy Morgan)

"The nearest comparison is the Papa John's Trophy last year, it was amazing there so this hopefully will surpass it, as there is that much more depending on this game." 

He added: "Hopefully they will be playing in the Championship next season! We are all getting together tonight to find out who they are going to be playing. 

"We would prefer Oxford but Wanderers have to beat every team."

Paddy McGuinness took to Twitter following the match, saying: "Roll on Wembley! Congratulations Bolton. Although that second half aged me! 

"Commiserations to Barnsley, an epic come back. One more game!"

Vernon Kay said on his Radio 2 mid-morning slot: "Bolton lost last night against Barnsley but we won on aggregate, so the mighty Bolton Wanderers are going to Wembley! 

"That would be a fine, fine day out. Our second trip to Wembley in two years, how good is that?"