Bolton clash delayed by fan congestion as supporters flock back after club was saved from extinction
BOLTON'S EFL Trophy game against Bradford was delayed as fans flocked back to the club days after it was saved from extinction.
It was the highest attendance of the season so far, 9,062, despite it being for a game in the much-maligned cup competition.
It is also the most fans to ever attend a group came in the trophy.
Fans queued to get into the University of Bolton Stadium, with the referee agreeing on a 10-minute delay to make sure they were all in for kick-off.
Once in, they cheered on the youngest team fielded in Bolton history, with an average age of just 19.
And although the home fans didn't get to see a win - Bradford triumphed 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes - it was still party time.
SunSport reported how the club were saved last week from potential extinction after a £10million offer from group Football Ventures was accepted - with the help of Pink Floyd's drummer.
Supremo Sharon Brittan and rock icon Nick Mason finally got their way after the family of late owner Eddie Davies - the major creditor - accepted a staggered payments deal.
The ruling Davies family started off by asking for £17.4m when the club went into administration but will settle for around £5m paid over the next three years.
And that was only possible after super fan Mike James put in £2.75m into the Football Ventures kitty, as revealed yesterday.
NEW LIFE IN BOLTON
The swoop will also see FV take charge of the club’s hotel which has also been in administration.
Bolton's problems this season has seen them field a youth team for their games with senior players jumping the sinking ship.
They have lost their last five League One games 5-0, prompting newly-appointed boss Keith Hill to make NINE deadline day signings.
Experienced players like Jake Wright, Chris O'Grady and the returning Will Buckley should give them a fighting chance of clawing back the 13 points they are currently from safety.
But tonight against League Two Bradford, the youngsters were given what could be their last chance to impress the new boss.
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And they did just that, bossing their much-more experienced opposition in the first 45 and taking an eighth minute lead.
Bradford fought back in the second half and netted an equaliser with the game finishing all-square at full time.
In the end Bolton succumbed 4-3 on penalties - but tonight was one where the result was purely secondary.
