What an occasion. It was going to be heartbreak for one Cafite and elation for the other. Both probably deserved to go up but who would shine when it really mattered?
The first shot in anger came after 11 minutes when Bolton worked it nicely down the right flank and drilled a cross into Balogun, who swiveled and fired a low shot which was comfortably saved by Valdimarsson. Derby came alive 8 minutes later though when Brooks floated a cross in for Mikey Moore to head towards goal but Baxter parried it to safety. Derby recycled the ball though and when it was played through to Moukoko he fired it low past the keeper! VAR intervened though and the goal was chalked off for quite a blatant offside.
28 minutes in, Plata had a golden opportunity when he was played in by a beautiful through-ball. But he didn't get a good enough angle on his shot and Valdimarsson parried it out for a corner.
It was relatively even leading up to half-time. Both teams had similar xG and chances. 42 minutes in though, Ricardo played a lofted ball out wide to Brooks, who volleyed it first time across the box where Moukoko was there to head it in at the back post! 1 - 0 to Derby!
Bolton responded well after the break, and kept the ball for a long period despite intense Derby pressing. They worked the ball out to Kendry Paez, who played a delightful one-two with Misehouy and slotted it into the bottom right corner. 1 - 1. Game on!
Bolton really looked to take control of the game after that and Paez looked alive! The chances were few and far between for the next 25 minutes though. Bolton again kept the ball well and were very patient with their attacks. Braybrooke coming close on a couple of occasions.
The xG gap was starting to close as Bolton created these chances, and on 76 minutes they worked the ball to Firpo from a throw-in, who crossed it in for Balogun to rise and head home at the back stick! 2 - 1 to Bolton! It felt like it was coming.
Derby needed a response, and fast. They nearly got one when Mitchell broke through on 77 minute and fired a low shot which was parried out for a corner.
They stepped up the intensity and crowded the box in the final minutes, but a Junior Firpo head took the ball away from a waiting Brooks and the final whistle went! Bolton are going up!