Match report

Bolton Secures Victory Over Exeter City in League One Clash

Bolton
Bolton
2–1
FT
Exeter City
Exeter City
Dec 13, 2025

In an exhilarating match at the Macron Stadium, Bolton secured a thrilling victory over Exeter City with a final score of 2–1. Despite falling behind early to a goal from J. Aitchison, Bolton rallied in the second half thanks to goals by S. Dalby and T. Gale, sealing their comeback in League One.

Key Facts

  • • Bolton 2-1 Exeter City (League One match result)
  • • J. Aitchison scored for Exeter at the 20th minute
  • • S. Dalby equalized for Bolton in the 70th minute
  • • T. Gale secured the win for Bolton with a goal in the 82nd minute

Lineups

Bolton

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 T. Sharman-Lowe (G)
  • 29 C. Christie (D)
  • 18 E. Toal (D)
  • 6 G. Johnston (D)
  • 25 M. Conway (D)
  • 8 J. Sheehan (M)
  • 21 E. Erhahon (M)
  • 19 A. Cozier-Duberry (M)
  • 24 M. Forss (M)
  • 20 I. Cissoko (M)
  • 48 M. Burstow (F)

Substitutes

  • 27 T. Miller
  • 3 C. Forino-Joseph
  • 14 J. Osei-Tutu
  • 4 X. Simons
  • 22 K. Dempsey
  • 11 T. Gale
  • 10 S. Dalby

Exeter City

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 J. Whitworth (G)
  • 26 P. Sweeney (D)
  • 20 L. Woodhouse (D)
  • 16 S. Swinkels (D)
  • 14 I. Niskanen (M)
  • 6 E. Brierley (M)
  • 31 J. Doyle-Hayes
  • 2 J. McMillan (M)
  • 10 J. Aitchison (F)
  • 19 S. Cox (F)
  • 27 J. Magennis (F)

Substitutes

  • 23 J. Bycroft
  • 8 E. Francis
  • 29 K. McDonald
  • 34 L. Oakes
  • 12 R. Cole
  • 17 A. Higgins
  • 9 J. Wareham

Timeline

  1. Exeter City
    20' Exeter City Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Aitchison
  2. Exeter City
    46' Exeter City subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Cox · On: A. Higgins
  3. Bolton
    61' Bolton subst · Substitution 2
    Off: C. Christie · On: J. Osei-Tutu
  4. Bolton
    61' Bolton subst · Substitution 3
    Off: M. Burstow · On: S. Dalby
  5. Exeter City
    63' Exeter City subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Magennis · On: J. Wareham
  6. Bolton
    70' Bolton Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Dalby
  7. Bolton
    71' Bolton subst · Substitution 4
    Off: E. Erhahon · On: K. Dempsey
  8. Exeter City
    73' Exeter City Card · Yellow Card
    I. Niskanen

    Foul

  9. Exeter City
    74' Exeter City subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Aitchison · On: R. Cole
  10. Exeter City
    78' Exeter City Card · Yellow Card
    Sil Swinkels

    Time wasting

  11. Exeter City
    80' Exeter City Card · Yellow Card
    Jake Doyle Hayes
  12. Bolton
    82' Bolton Goal · Normal Goal
    T. Gale · Assist: K. Dempsey
  13. Bolton
    83' Bolton subst · Substitution 5
    Off: M. Forss · On: Xavier Simons
  14. Exeter City
    87' Exeter City subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Doyle-Hayes · On: K. McDonald
  15. Exeter City
    87' Exeter City subst · Substitution 5
    Off: E. Brierley · On: L. Oakes
  16. Exeter City
    89' Exeter City Card · Yellow Card
    P. Sweeney

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Bolton Exeter City
Fouls 5 14
Pass Accuracy 90% 77%
Offsides 0 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 24 3
Corners 6 2
Total Passes 583 373
Yellow Cards 0 4
Blocked Shots 5 1
Shots on Target 7 2
xG 2.42 0.13
Shots off Target 12 0
Possession 62% 38%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 522 287
Shots Inside Box 15 2
Saves 1 5
Shots Outside Box 9 1

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Bolton's equalizing goal by S. Dalby at the 70th minute shifted momentum towards them, boosting their confidence and setting up their comeback.
  • ▸ T. Gale's decisive goal in the 82nd minute sealed Bolton's victory, leaving Exeter City struggling to mount a response.