Manchester City duo Jamie Trafford and Luke Mbete have booked a date at Wembley after Bolton Wanderers clinched a spot in the Papa John's Trophy final.
Bolton will be returning to Wembley for the first time in 12 years on April 2 - as they look to avenge the infamous 5-0 loss to Stoke City - after defeating Accrington Stanley 2-0 in a hotly contested semi-final on Wednesday. Stanley went down to 10 men after just 22 minutes when Sean McConville was dismissed for catching Conor Bradley on his knee with his studs.
City's highly-rated centre-back Mbete started the game as did goalkeeping prodigy Trafford and he had an eventful afternoon. He charged out of his box in a similar fashion to Ederson to challenge for a ball and collided with midfielder Liam Coyle, who had to leave the game on a stretcher.
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Trafford was booked and perhaps fortunate to avoid further punishment but went on to keep a clean sheet. It took Bolton a while to make their one-man advantage count but eventually did when Elias Kachunga hammered home in the 82nd minute.
Aaron Morley then ensured the victory with a stunning, curling strike from distance to send the mass of supporters behind the goal into raptures.
Trafford has played an integral role in Bolton's excellent campaign - they also sit fourth in League One as they aim to return to the Championship - and has had a particularly great 2023. Out of 12 matches so far, he has kept nine clean sheets.
Mbete joined the Trotters in the January transfer window for the rest of the season after an initial stint at Huddersfield didn't go to plan. The 19-year-old has put that disappointment behind him and kept three clean sheets in his four appearances and has even scored a goal.
“I am so proud of the players, so pleased for them,” Bolton manager Ian Evatt said. “Playing at Wembley - when you grow old and you finish playing, you look back on those times and I really wanted it for them.
“I wanted it so much for Sharon and the board because what they have done for this football club is an absolute miracle. To give them a big day out is something they thoroughly deserve.
“And last but not least, the supporters. They have been through so much. We almost lost this football club and now to have a final at Wembley Stadium is just amazing.
“A great game against Plymouth as well. Two great fanbases, let’s try to pack it out as best we can and see two teams going toe-to-toe. Hopefully, we will have a good final.”
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