Bolton Wanderers beat Blackpool 2-1 at home on Saturday afternoon, though the scoreline flatters the winners given how dramatically the game shifted in its final quarter.
Blackpool made the better start. Fraser Horsfall put them ahead in the 18th minute, and for long stretches they looked the more composed side, content to defend their lead and threaten on the break. Bolton struggled to find their rhythm and created little of note before the interval.
The game changed shape after the hour. George Honeyman, introduced as a substitute, began to cause problems, and Bolton pressed with more urgency. Eoin Toal equalised on 66 minutes, and the momentum shifted firmly towards the hosts. Mason Burstow then put Bolton ahead on 76 minutes, converting what had become sustained home pressure.
Blackpool responded. Reuell Walters levelled almost immediately at 81 minutes, and suddenly the outcome was uncertain again. Burstow settled it on 85 minutes with his second goal of the afternoon, his composure in front of goal proving the difference between the two sides.
Josh Bowler came off the bench for Blackpool and offered late energy, but it arrived too late to matter. Bolton held on through four added minutes to secure three points.
The second half belonged to Bolton in terms of chances and intensity. Blackpool will feel they gave away a game they had managed reasonably well for an hour.
Recap generated from the event timeline. Editorial team review by request. How we use AI.
