Football fans rallied support at the home fan zone last night to cheer on Bolton in the hopes of making a return to Wembley.

The Bolton News: Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

​Wanderers supporters who were unable to make it to Barnsley last night, Friday, May 19, gathered at the University of Bolton Stadium’s Fan Zone, in hopes of witnessing a play-off dream.

The Bolton News: Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

Although those dreams didn’t quite come true, fans said they hope the ambition will continue into the next season but are concerned about losing loanees, Conor Bradley and James Trafford.

The Bolton News: Supporters watching the game from the fan zone Supporters watching the game from the fan zone (Image: Newsquest)

Following the 2-1 defeat, one fan said: “I’m gutted to lose our two loanees so it will be interesting to see what happens in the summer window.

The Bolton News: Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

“I just hope that the team can carry on the ambition they showed this season into the next.”

Man City keeper James Trafford shares heartfelt message to Bolton fans

The Bolton News: Twins, Chris and Nicola, watched the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium Twins, Chris and Nicola, watched the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

Supporter, Chris Hays, added that he was “proud” of the team and “hopeful” that they could push on back up next season.

Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt sends message to fans after play-offs

The Bolton News: Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

Wanderers missed out on their return to Wembley after a 2-1 aggregate defeat in the play-off semi-final.

The Bolton News: Bolton fans watching the match from the Fan Zone Bolton fans watching the match from the Fan Zone (Image: Newsquest)

​Liam Kitching got the only goal on the night at Oakwell, powering a header past Trafford after getting on the end of Luca Connell’s cross.

The Bolton News: Supporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton StadiumSupporters watching the match from the Fan Zone at the University of Bolton Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley on Bolton Wanderers loan

The Whites struggled to carve out chances at the other end, with Aaron Morley going closest to an equaliser.

The Bolton News: Supports leaving after the defeat Supports leaving after the defeat (Image: Newsquest)

Wanderers won their first trophy in more than 30 years last month when they recorded an emphatic 4-0 win against Plymouth in the  Papa Johns final at Wembley.

Nearly 80,000 people were in attendance and Kyle Dempsey, Dion Charles, Elias Kachunga and Gethin Jones were all on target against the Pilgrims.

Although the team won't be making a return to Wembley this time around Wanderers boss, Ian Evatt, thanked fans for their unequivocal support this season and promised to do everything he could to lead the club to success in the future.