Bolton 1-1 Barnsley: Dion Charles cancels out Nicky Cadden’s strike to keep promotion hopes alive

The nightmarish experience of Sheffield Wednesday the night before frightened both sets of players in the other League One play-off semi-final back into their shells even before the game had kicked off.

Both managers confessed that their respective squads had watched in disbelief as the Owls, strong favourites for promotion all season before sliding into the play-offs, lost their first leg 4-0 at London Road.

That resulted in a tense, cagey affair at Bolton in which Barnsley briefly took the lead through Nicky Cadden in the second half only for Dio Charles to bag his 21st of the season, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error by Harry Isted.

Both managers were upbeat about their team’s chances, and said Wednesday’s video nasty had it effect.

Dion Charles (pictured) scored the equaliser that gave Bolton a 1-1 draw against Barnsley

Nick Cadden (right) scored the opener in the first leg of the League One play-off tie  

The goal was Charles’ (right) 21st goal of the season for The Trotters, his 17th in the league 

“The players will have watched that game and subliminally (it affected them),” said Barnsley boss Michael Duff. “They are probably thinking it was going to be a tight game anyway, but even more so with the result the night before.

“You are thinking that you don’t want to be out of it.”

Bolton boss Ian Evatt agreed, saying: “Maybe that result had a little bit of an impact on us, but we just looked like we were playing in our shells, a little bit safe first half.

“You always feel under pressure against Barnsley because of the amount of set plays they have, long throws in your box – it’s a territorial advantage, and hard to defend against.

“Once their goal went in the shackles came off a bit, we sparked into life, had more possession and control and got back in it really quickly, which was important.

“They will feel they’re in a strong position but we feel we are. There is more onus on them being being the home team, more pressure and we are a dangerous team when the spaces become a bit bigger.”

It comes as today marked the 11th anniversary of Bolton’s relegation from the Premier League

Ian Evatt’s side will now go to Oakwell on Friady in a bid to secure promotion back to the Championship 

With chances at a premium, Barnsley struck what appeared to be a vital blow when an Addam Phillips corner fell at the feet of Devante Cole and he guided the ball back for Cadden to sweetly strike through a crowd of players, just after the hour mark.

The Wembley songs were quickly strangled by Charles, who bundled in his 21st goal of the season when Randell Williams burst to the byline and fired in a cross that Isted could only parry onto the body of the Bolton striker.

Duff was not too pleased, saying: “You are always disappointed to concede a goal. It was a good bit of wing play from Williams but it’s a cross that’s gone into Harry and he’s spilt it. 

Even then we had enough chances to win it.“But we have to do it again and last time they came to our place they beat us 3-0 so there will be no taking the eye off the ball and back-slapping.”