Match report

Bolton Defeats Rotherham 2-1 in League One Thriller

Bolton
Bolton
2–1
FT
Rotherham
Rotherham
Dec 26, 2025

Bolton edged out Rotherham in a gripping encounter at League One level, securing a vital 2-1 victory. The game was dominated by strong performances and key turning points that defined the outcome.

Key Facts

  • • J. Sheehan scored twice for Bolton: a goal in the 45th minute and another in the 90th minute.
  • • S. Nombe netted a penalty for Rotherham in the final minutes of play, bringing it to 1-2.
  • • Rotherham made several substitutions: D. Yearwood replaced J. Hugill (53'), K. Etete replaced S. Nombe (53').
  • • Bolton also saw changes with M. Forss replacing S. Dalby (72'), E. Erhahon for Xavier Simons (81'), and T. Gale subbing in for M. Burstow (86').

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)
  • 17 J. Randall (M)
  • 11 T. Gale (M)
  • 24 M. Forss (F)

Substitutes

  • 27 T. Miller
  • 3 C. Forino-Joseph
  • 4 X. Simons
  • 22 K. Dempsey
  • 20 I. Cissoko
  • 10 S. Dalby
  • 48 M. Burstow

Rotherham

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 1 C. Dawson (G)
  • 15 J. Baptiste (D)
  • 26 H. Douglas (D)
  • 3 Z. Jules (D)
  • 22 D. Hall (M)
  • 16 D. Yearwood (M)
  • 7 J. Powell (M)
  • 44 D. Gore (M)
  • 6 R. James (M)
  • 11 A. Martha (F)
  • 29 K. Etete (F)

Substitutes

  • 13 T. Cann
  • 5 S. Raggett
  • 12 T. Holmes
  • 2 J. Rafferty
  • 4 L. Kelly
  • 9 J. Hugill
  • 10 S. Nombe

Timeline

  1. Bolton
    45' Bolton Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Sheehan
  2. Rotherham
    53' Rotherham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: D. Yearwood · On: J. Hugill
  3. Rotherham
    53' Rotherham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: K. Etete · On: S. Nombe
  4. Rotherham
    63' Rotherham Card · Yellow Card
    A. Martha

    Foul

  5. Bolton
    69' Bolton Card · Yellow Card
    M. Conway

    Time wasting

  6. Bolton
    72' Bolton subst · Substitution 1
    Off: M. Forss · On: S. Dalby
  7. Bolton
    81' Bolton subst · Substitution 2
    Off: E. Erhahon · On: Xavier Simons
  8. Bolton
    81' Bolton subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Randall · On: K. Dempsey
  9. Rotherham
    82' Rotherham subst · Substitution 3
    Off: H. Douglas · On: T. Holmes
  10. Rotherham
    85' Rotherham Card · Yellow Card
    J. Baptiste

    Foul

  11. Bolton
    86' Bolton subst · Substitution 4
    Off: T. Gale · On: M. Burstow
  12. Rotherham
    90' Rotherham Goal · Penalty
    S. Nombe
  13. Bolton
    90' Bolton Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Sheehan · Assist: A. Cozier-Duberry

Match Stats

Stat Bolton Rotherham
Fouls 5 13
Pass Accuracy 86% 70%
Offsides 1 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 28 13
Corners 9 0
Total Passes 571 295
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 12 1
Shots on Target 12 5
xG 2.79 2.68
Shots off Target 4 7
Possession 66% 34%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 490 206
Shots Inside Box 22 10
Saves 4 8
Shots Outside Box 6 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Bolton took the lead through J. Sheehan's goal just before half-time, giving them a crucial psychological edge.
  • ▸ The introduction of T. Gale for Bolton in the 86th minute shifted momentum and led to a decisive second goal by Sheehan, sealing the win.