Highs and lows of Wanderers' recent final day fixtures

From promotion glory to play-off heartbreak, Wanderers have had plenty of memorable encounters on the final day.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Peterborough, we have taken a look at how the Whites have finished the league campaign in the last 10 seasons.

Bristol Rovers 2-3 Wanderers (2023)

Wanderers warmed up for their play-off semi-final against Barnsley with an eventful victory at the Memorial Stadium last term.

Shola Shoretire, Dan Nlundulu and Aaron Morley were all on target for the Whites, while Luca Hoole and John Marquis struck for the hosts.

Ian Evatt made a few changes with the play-offs in mind, such as Joel Coleman starting in goal, and it will be interesting to see if he does similar this year.

Wanderers 4-2 Fleetwood (2022)

Bolton signed off with a win against the Cod Army a couple of years ago thanks to late goals from Dion Charles and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

The most memorable part of the contest was Charles’ freak goal from near the halfway line. The Northern Irish international made a sliding tackle on Callum Camps that saw the ball loop over Alex Cairns and into the empty net.

Declan John was also on target that day, while Barry Baggley and Joe Garner got on the scoresheet for the visitors, who survived relegation despite leaving empty-handed.

Crawley 1-4 Wanderers (2021)

Wanderers celebrate promotion at Crawley (Image: Camerasport)

A memorable finale at the Broadfield Stadium, even if it was played behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

Wanderers clinched promotion back to League One after a remarkable run of form in the second half of the campaign under Evatt.

Antoni Sarcevic, Dapo Afolayan, Eoin Doyle and Lloyd Isgrove all struck for the Whites. Davide Rodari’s late consolation didn’t spoil the party and there were great scenes after the final whistle.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Wanderers (2019)

The 2019/20 campaign was cut short by the pandemic and the final day was not a particularly memorable one 12 months prior.

Wanderers were already relegated and playing for pride when they travelled to the City Ground, but Joe Lolley got the decisive goal for Forest.

There had been doubts over if the game would even go ahead after the Brentford clash had been cancelled due to Bolton’s boycott over unpaid wages.

Wanderers 3-2 Nottingham Forest (2018)

Another final day showdown against Forest but there are much happier memories attached to this one.

The Whites looked destined for relegation with five minutes to go but David Wheater’s equaliser restored some hope.

Aaron Wilbraham’s winner in the 88th minute sent the stadium into raptures and there were scenes of jubilation after the final whistle as fans ran onto the pitch.

Wanderers 3-0 Peterborough (2017)

Wheater after his goal against Posh in 2017 (Image: Camerasport)

Hopefully, a good omen for Saturday! Wanderers sealed an immediate return to the Championship with a 3-0 win against Posh.

Jem Karacan settled the early nerves before Wheater and Adam Le Fondre wrapped up a comfortable victory.

It was the perfect way to end a successful campaign under Phil Parkinson, having been in the top four since October.

Fulham 1-0 Wanderers (2016)

Bolton were already down when they headed to Craven Cottage but were hoping to record a first away win of the campaign under interim boss Jimmy Phillips.

It was a tight contest but the Cottagers had the better chances, with Ben Amos making smart stops to deny Matt Smith and Ross McCormack.

The game seemed to be heading towards a stalemate until Tom Cairney broke the deadlock with a moment of quality 13 minutes from time.

Wanderers 0-1 Birmingham (2015)

Wanderers had already secured safety on this occasion but weren’t able to finish with a bang against a Birmingham side looking to climb into the top 10.

Robert Tesche got the only goal on the stroke of half time, volleying home after Adam Bogdan had made a save on the line.

Emile Heskey and Eidur Gudjohnsen had chances at the other end, while the latter saw a goal ruled out for an offside.

Wanderers 2-2 Birmingham (2014)

Another home game against the Blues to conclude the season, but this one turned out to be much more eventful.

The Whites seemed to be cruising to victory after goals from Chung-Yong Lee and Lukas Jutkiewicz, but the visitors pulled one back through towering forward Nikola Zigic.

Paul Caddis scored a dramatic equaliser in the 93rd minute which saw Birmingham beat the drop by the slimmest of margins.

Wanderers 2-2 Blackpool (2013)

Bolton were desperate to pick up three points against their North West neighbours and secure a top six finish as they looked to make an immediate return to the top flight.

However, the Seasiders were keen to spoil the party and raced into a 2-0 lead after goals from Matt Phillips and Ludovic Sylvestre.

Chris Eagles and Craig Davies got Wanderers back on level terms, but Dougie Freedman’s men couldn’t quite find a winner in the second half and ultimately missed out on the play-offs on goal difference.