Amario Cozier-Duberry’s stunning second‑half strike secured a 1‑0 victory for Bolton Wanderers over Bradford City in the first leg of their Sky Bet League One play‑off semi‑final at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The 20‑year‑old winger, on loan from Brighton, broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, giving the Trotters a slender advantage ahead of the return fixture at Valley Parade.
The opening period was tense, with neither side managing a shot on target. Former EFL striker Billy Sharp, providing analysis in the studio, noted at half‑time: “No one wanted to take the game by the scruff of the neck.”
That changed on the hour mark. Cozier-Duberry collected a pass from Ibrahim Cissoko, cut onto his left foot, and curled a brilliant finish into the far corner.
He nearly doubled the lead moments later, racing through on goal after Bolton won possession high up the pitch, but his effort struck the inside of the post and bounced clear. Despite that miss, Bolton held on to take a crucial one‑goal lead into the second leg.
Bolton manager Steven Schumacher praised his young winger after the match: “Amario has produced moments of magic like that for us all season. We asked him to be patient at half‑time, and the ball fell to him a little bit fortuitously, but it was a brilliant finish. We’re delighted with the result.”
The second leg will take place later this week, with everything still to play for.
