EFL play-offs round-up: Hull, Bolton and Notts County celebrate promotion at Wembley

The EFL play-offs once again delivered everything that makes them one of the most dramatic events in the football calendar – tension, controversy, heartbreak and unforgettable moments under the Wembley arch.

In the Championship, Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League after defeating Middlesbrough in the so-called ‘richest game in football’. The Tigers completed a remarkable turnaround after only sneaking into the play-off places on the final day of the regular season. The final itself was overshadowed by the extraordinary expulsion of Southampton from the play-offs following the EFL’s investigation into the club’s ‘Spygate’ scandal, paving the way for Middlesbrough to return to Wembley. Hull ultimately took advantage of the opportunity to book their place in the top flight.

League One produced a Wembley classic as Bolton Wanderers ended their seven-year absence from the Championship with a convincing 4-1 victory over Stockport County. Ruben Rodrigues gave Bolton an early lead before Stockport responded through Adama Sidibeh. However, Steven Schumacher’s side dominated the second half, with Sam Dalby emerging as the hero as the Trotters finally completed their long journey back after years of financial struggles and near misses.

In League Two, Notts County beat Salford City 3-0 to end an 11-year absence from the third-tier of the English pyramid. Alassana Jatta opened the scoring on 32 minutes before Lucas Ness doubled their lead just before full-time. Jodi Jones completed the scoreline in the second half.

The EFL play-offs have long been described as football’s greatest drama, and this year’s edition certainly lived up to that reputation.