Trophy final has all the key ingredients
The Football League Paper|April 02, 2023
WHETHER you’re a fan of the Papa Johns Trophy or not, it’s hard to argue that Bolton Wanderers versus Plymouth Argyle isn’t an attractive final.
John Lyons
Trophy final has all the key ingredients

Heading into the weekend, Plymouth were top of League One and the Trotters fifth. There is all to play for, of course, but it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that both could be lining up in the Championship next season.

That can all wait for another day, though, as this afternoon it’s all about the chance to lift a piece of silverware at Wembley Stadium. The fact that around 75,000 fans are expected means there should be an electric atmosphere.

Who are likely to come out on top? Well, you would probably have Argyle as slight favourites by virtue of their league position. They’ve collected a whopping 80 points from 38 league games in comparison to Bolton’s 64.

But, without wishing to get splinters, it really is too tight to call. It’s a one-off game, it’s at the home of football and players from both sides will be determined to shine in front of family, friends and fans.

There will be nerves, the occasion could get to some and it may well come down to who copes the best with all the extras that a day like this brings. For as much as managers and coaches will try to say it’s just another game, everyone knows it isn’t.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PAPERView all
RAVENS FLY TO STORMY SUCCESS
The Football League Paper

RAVENS FLY TO STORMY SUCCESS

ANDY Woodman admitted Bromley's win over Accrington is a game his victorious side 'will never watch back again'.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
U'S TAME THE A FAST START
The Football League Paper

U'S TAME THE A FAST START

GARETH Ainsworth was dismayed with Shrewsbury's defending as his side were beaten by a rampant Cambridge, in a game which included a goal in the first minute of both halves.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
SUPER BLUES' JAY AT DOUBLE
The Football League Paper

SUPER BLUES' JAY AT DOUBLE

JAY STANSFIELD bagged the plaudits for Birmingham with a brace as they hit back to beat ten-man Barnsley in front of 5,000 travelling fans at Oakwell.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
MATT'S ODE TO JOY FOR DETERMINED CHAIRBOYS
The Football League Paper

MATT'S ODE TO JOY FOR DETERMINED CHAIRBOYS

Royals in recovery with boss departed

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
IT JUST EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE - IT WAS WILD!
The Football League Paper

IT JUST EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE - IT WAS WILD!

SHEFFIELD United v West Brom? For fans of a certain vintage, it's a fixture that can only conjure one memory.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 08, 2024
ROHL RAGES WITH HIS SLOPPY OWLS
The Football League Paper

ROHL RAGES WITH HIS SLOPPY OWLS

DANNY Rohl ripped into his Sheffield Wednesday side after they were held at home by Preston.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
ACE KEEPER KAMINSKI IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE
The Football League Paper

ACE KEEPER KAMINSKI IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE

LUKE Williams insisted that his Swansea City side could well have left with all three points after being denied victory by home keeper Thomas Kaminski.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Kolli is Marti's new Ray of sunshine
The Football League Paper

Kolli is Marti's new Ray of sunshine

PROUD QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is hoping Rayan Kolli's maiden senior goals prove to be \"the first of many\" after the youngster played a starring role in the victory over Norwich.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
FIRST WIN FOR FRANK AS LIONS ARE TAMED
The Football League Paper

FIRST WIN FOR FRANK AS LIONS ARE TAMED

COVENTRY head coach Frank Lampard felt his players took the game by the scruff of the neck after half-time the Sky Blues.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
EUSTACE SALUTES BATTLING ROVERS
The Football League Paper

EUSTACE SALUTES BATTLING ROVERS

But a lot to ponder for Selles

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024