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Can't see Bolton winning the play-offs

Sat Apr 11, 2026 7:24 pm

Starting to look like the four in the play-offs will be Bradford, Bolton, Stockport and Stevenage.

Really happy with our performance today but can't see Bolton winning the play-offs based on how they played. I don't think they had a shot until 15 minutes into the second half.

At the moment I'd probably make Stockport favourites. They seem to be doing well lately.

Bradford will be desperate to get 3rd or 4th so they get home advantage in the second leg, they rely on their home form.

Stevenage the outside shot but to be fair, they keep things tight with so many of their games being 1-0. That could work in the play-offs, even if it's not great to watch.

Re: Can't see Bolton winning the play-offs

Sat Apr 11, 2026 8:01 pm

They definitely set up wrong. We will win an open game of football 9/10 in this league. The best way to get a result against us is to park the bus. Bolton didn't do that. Do you fancy anyone in the playoffs nobody is in great form. I still half fancy Plymouth to sneak in and win it Stevenage have Bolton and Lincoln the next two games

Re: Can't see Bolton winning the play-offs

Sat Apr 11, 2026 8:47 pm

Starvinmarvin wrote:They definitely set up wrong. We will win an open game of football 9/10 in this league. The best way to get a result against us is to park the bus. Bolton didn't do that. Do you fancy anyone in the playoffs nobody is in great form. I still half fancy Plymouth to sneak in and win it Stevenage have Bolton and Lincoln the next two games


I think Stevenage will get there. Got a couple of tough games coming up but also have a five point lead and game in hand over 7th.

You wouldn't want to play them in the play-offs because they're just not a nice team to play, as we know.

But I find it hard to call. Would probably say Stockport or Bradford but we all know what the play-offs are like.

Re: Can't see Bolton winning the play-offs

Sun Apr 12, 2026 11:39 am

I believe we are probably the worst team to compare against other teams. We are so unique in this division, in that if you want to make it a skills & possesion contest, you're going to lose. If you don't enter that game, make it difficult and hit us on the break or set plays, then we are there for the taking.
Most of those teams in the playoffs are set up to soak up the long, physical, attritional stuff. I thought they tried to play, they are a Btec version of us in that there was time to shoot or cross, and they didn't.
Bolton may be able to hold onto the ball enough to create chances, whilst being able to withstand the physical stuff.And if they end up in Wembly its a big pitch favouring those who hold onto the ball.

Re: Can't see Bolton winning the play-offs

Sun Apr 12, 2026 12:41 pm

llan bluebird wrote:I believe we are probably the worst team to compare against other teams. We are so unique in this division, in that if you want to make it a skills & possesion contest, you're going to lose. If you don't enter that game, make it difficult and hit us on the break or set plays, then we are there for the taking.
Most of those teams in the playoffs are set up to soak up the long, physical, attritional stuff. I thought they tried to play, they are a Btec version of us in that there was time to shoot or cross, and they didn't.
Bolton may be able to hold onto the ball enough to create chances, whilst being able to withstand the physical stuff.And if they end up in Wembly its a big pitch favouring those who hold onto the ball.


I honestly don't know if I fancy them to get to Wembley. They've been 3rd more or less the whole year but looking at the table I think they end up 5th Stockport have 2 games in hand and a much easier games than them. No idea who will end up winning the playoffs it'll be very interesting

Re: Can't see Bolton winning the play-offs

Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:06 pm

One HECTOR’s sides I’ve seen this season, just shows how bad this league is when they are 4th.