Drama Unfolds in League One Play-Off Semi-Finals

The League One play-off semi-finals treated football fans to an exhilarating display of talent, determination, and nail-biting moments. Two enthralling encounters unfolded, as Peterborough clashed with Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton went head-to-head with Barnsley. With a place in the final at stake, both ties produced high-scoring affairs and ended with heart-stopping penalty shootouts. Let's delve into the action-packed events that unfolded over the course of these two thrilling encounters.

Peterborough vs Sheffield Wednesday

The first leg between Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday kicked off with a bang, as both teams were eager to assert their dominance. Jack Taylor opened the scoring for Peterborough in the 20th minute, firing his side into the lead. Joe Ward extended their advantage in the 36th minute, leaving Sheffield Wednesday with an uphill battle. However, Kwame Poku struck early in the second half, putting Peterborough in a commanding position with a 3-0 lead. Jonson Clarke-Harris finished the job in the 82nd minute with the fourth goal of the match.

Epic comeback in second leg

The second leg took a dramatic turn when Sheffield Wednesday showcased their fighting spirit. Michael Smith converted a penalty in the 9th minute to breathe life into his team's campaign. Lee Gregory added to the tally in the 25th minute, narrowing the gap further. Reece James increased the pressure on Peterborough with a goal in the 71st minute, setting up a thrilling finale. Sheffield Wednesday's determination paid off in stoppage time, as Liam Palmer found the back of the net, leveling the aggregate score at 5-5 and forcing the game into extra time.

In extra time, Lee Gregory's unfortunate own goal in the 105th minute brought Peterborough back into contention. Callum Paterson's strike in the 112th minute drawn the score level again. The match ultimately ended in a 5-5 aggregate draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Sheffield Wednesday held their nerve and emerged victorious, winning 5-3 on penalties and securing their place in the League One play-off final.

Bolton vs Barnsley

In the other semi-final clash, Bolton faced off against Barnsley in a captivating encounter. The first leg saw Nicky Cadden's 63rd-minute strike give Barnsley the advantage. Bolton fought valiantly and scored on 4 minutes later the equaliser by Dion Charles.

Second leg

Barnsley struck first in the second leg, with Liam Kitching scoring in the 24th minute, further strengthening their position. Bolton battled to mount a comeback but struggled to break through Barnsley's resilient defense. As the final whistle blew, Barnsley emerged victorious with a 2-1 aggregate score, earning their place in the League One play-off final. Tickets for the League One play off final are available!