Bolton vs Oxford LIVE: Josh Murphy double seals League One play-off final victory – latest updates

That's all from Wembley

Where the fans and players of Oxford United are still celebrating their play-off triumph and promotion to the Championship.

Led by boyhood fan of the club and qualified pilot Des Buckingham, The U's will be flying to the likes of Bramall Lane, the Stadium of Light, the Hawthorns and one of either St Mary's or Elland Road.

There's more play-off final action tomorrow as Crewe and Crawley go head-to-head in League Two. Join us for more Wembley drama and emotion.

Goodnight.

Evatt's beaten Bolton 'unrecognisable'

Bolton boss Ian Evatt believes his side's showing in the League One play-off final was their worst display of the campaign.

Speaking frankly after the game, the manager apologised to fans and revealed that he felt all the traits that have made the Trotters so impressive this term were missing at Wembley.

I can't explain it really. That was unrecognisable for us. We're at our best when we are fast, intense, aggressive, energetic, showing quality with the ball. From minute one, it wasn't there. Whether it was the occasion or the pressure, I don't know. That was not acceptable for our level and I apologise to all the supporters who came here and witnessed our worst performance of the season.

Ian EvattSky Sports

U's Des-tined for the Championship

An emotional Des Buckingham says he didn't allowed himself to dream before this League One final - but he's living the dream now.

Managing the club he has supported since he was a young boy, he has now led Oxford United back to the second tier, where they have not played this century.

We didn't dream until the full time whistle because we knew how good Bolton are. I'm so proud to lead this team. And I'm so proud of all the players. My first game watching this club was 1990 when my nan took me up the Manor Ground and we won 3-1. I've been a fan ever since.

Des BuckinghamSky Sports

Oxford rise from the thr-ashes

Tuesday, March 12, 2024: Bolton 5-0 Oxford

Bolton stay third, just a point behind Derby County and six behind leaders Portsmouth; Oxford slip to eighth.

67 days later...

Saturday, May 16, 2024: Bolton 0-2 Oxford

Oxford win League One play-off final and win promotion to the Championship; Bolton will remain in the third tier for 2024-25.

Match stats from Wembley Stadium

Bolton failed to register a single shot on target in the League One play-off final.

Still, good news about the 511 passes...

Murphy: This is a special group

Two-goal hero Josh Murphy paid tribute to the togetherness of the Oxford squad at full time.

Speaking amid the on-pitch celebrations, the winger admitted that many had written Des Buckingham's side off ahead of today, but they put in a performance to silence the doubters.

I don't think anyone expected this. I'm lost for words. We were underdogs coming into today and we've just played amazingly. This is such a special group.

Josh MurphySky Sports

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

90+7. Murphy tries to seal his Wembley hat-trick with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

He doesn't get the connection right at all, but he's not embarrassed. He's seconds away from Oxford United folklore.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

90+5. Bolton have all ten outfield players inside the Oxford defensive third. Not that it's helping them in any way.

Cameron Jerome tries his luck at trying to make room for a shot, but even his experienced legs are unable to find a way through this Oxford defence.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

90+2. Adeboyejo tries to wiggle his way free inside the area, only for excellent covering from McGuane to deny him.

Oxford are nearly there.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

90. The fourth official's board goes up and there will be nine minutes.

Don't give up, Bolton fans. Remember Paul Dickov.

Admittedly, you'd have to have a shot...

Bolton 0-2 Oxford - Oxford substitution

87. Joe Bennett is the latest player to pick up a knock, and he's going to be withdrawn for the final few moments.

Greg Leigh is sent on in his place.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

85. Five minutes are left on the clock.

Bang on cue, the TV director cuts to a series of shots of thoroughly fed-up Bolton fans.

They must be so disappointed by their team's performance today.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

83. The U's were hanging on late in the game at Peterborough.

You cannot say the same about this performance today though. Oxford look comfortable.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

81. Murphy has another sniff of a hat-trick as a cross is hung up towards him at the far post.

The winger gets up high to meet the ball, but he's not known for his heading and you can see why as it falls wide.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford - Bolton substitution

79. Dale's eyes light up as he senses glory, but his shot is blocked.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran is on for Oxford creative force Ruben Rodrigues.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford - Thomason yellow card

77. It's just not happening for Bolton Wanderers this afternoon, and the frustrations are spilling out.

Once again, it's poor Mark McGuane on the receiving end.

I think he's been kicked more than he's had kicks since coming on.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

74. Joe Bennett's set-piece is kept out at the near post by Nathan Baxter.

Bolton still have hope - but they are running out of time.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

72. The video officials - in operation for today's final - are having another look at the incident to decide whether the offence actually took place inside the area.

It's very, very tight, but to me it looks inside the box and should be a penalty.

I seem to be in the minority, however, and VAR agree with the on-field decision, Sky Sports' commentary team and Mike Dean.

It will be a free-kick.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford - Baxter yellow card

70. Oh, a real mix-up in the Bolton defence as Baxter and Toal dither in dealing with a bouncing ball just outside the box!

It allows Oxford's Dale sneaks in between goalkeeper and defender, only to be walloped in the process by the boot of the former.

The Bolton number one is the latest to go into the book.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford - Dempsey yellow card

68. Bolton substitute Kyle Dempsey is cautioned for a rash challenge on the ankle of Oxford substitute Mark McGuane.

Meanwhile, Ian Evatt has made a triple change with Cameron Jerome, Jack Iredale and Victor Adeboyejo are on for Josh Sheehan, Dion Charles and Nathanael Ogbeta.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

66. Murphy has another chance to seal promotion and a Wembley hat-trick on the counter, but this time Baxter is out quickly to smother the shot.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford - Oxford substitution

64. Brannagan's injury - the aggravation of an ankle problem from earlier this season - has taken its toll, and the midfielder is off.

Des Buckingham sends on former Arsenal and Barcelona youngster Marcus McGuane in his place.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

62. Brannagan has gone down again inside his own penalty area as Oxford prepare to defend a corner.

The influential midfielder looks absolutely distraught and it doesn't look as though he's going to be able to continue.

Bolton 0-2 Oxford

60. Half hour of football remains at Wembley Stadium...

...unless Bolton can do something quite extraordinary.

They have history for it in play-off finals.

Just ask Reading fans.