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Bolton Wanderers fans stormed the pitch with blue and white flares as they celebrated reaching the League One play-off final.

The Trotters were forced to see off a late comeback from Barnsley in the second leg of their semi final, with the Tykes making it 5-4 on aggregate with 15 minutes to go as they piled the pressure on.

Bolton sung 'Que Sera Sera' as they pitch invaded
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Bolton sung 'Que Sera Sera' as they pitch invadedCredit: Sky Sports

Ian Evatt's side had had a 3-1 lead going into the second leg at home and appeared to be in total control.

But Sam Cosgrove, who netted Barnsley's only goal in the reverse fixture, began a surprising comeback as he put the visitors 1-0 up in the 36th minute.

Ipswich fans invade the pitch at Portman Road as The Tractor Boys secure automatic promotion to the Premier League

Bolton's Aaron Collins and Eoin Toal then made it 2-1 and 5-2 on aggregate, only for Adam Phillips and Cosgrove to strike in the second half to set up a nervy end to the game.

However, despite the 3-2 loss on the night, it was enough to see Bolton through.

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Bolton are the first side this season to book their place at Wembley for the play-offs this term as they look to return to the Championship for the first time since 2019.

It’s been an incredible season for the Trotters, who were playing in League Two just three years ago. 

The former Premier League outfit just missed out on the automatic promotion spots to Portsmouth and Derby, finishing five points behind the Rams in third in the end.

And the relief of rewarding that campaign with a Wembley final was evident amongst the players and the fans as they celebrated on the pitch together.

Bolton are on their way to Wembley
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Bolton are on their way to WembleyCredit: Getty

Wanderers reached the play-offs last term after finishing fifth.

But last time, it was Barnsley that stopped them from getting to play for promotion at the Home of Football, with the Tykes sealing a 2-1 win on aggregate.

It was another disappointing end to a play-off campaign for Barnsley
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It was another disappointing end to a play-off campaign for BarnsleyCredit: Getty

The Tykes went on to lose 1-0 in extra time to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final.

Now, Bolton will face either Oxford United or Peterborough in the final, with the U's currently holding a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg on Wednesday.

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