Bolton Wanderers delivered a stunning performance at Boundary Park, securing a dominant 6-2 victory over Oldham Athletic. The match, played on November 11, 2025, was the final Vertu Trophy group game for both sides. While Bolton had already booked their place in the knockout rounds, this emphatic win ensured they finished with a perfect record. For Oldham, it marked the end of their journey in this season’s competition. Consequently, the game became a showcase of attacking football under challenging weather conditions.
A Night of Goals at Boundary Park
Despite the “monsoon conditions,” both teams contributed to an eight-goal thriller. Bolton Wanderers, however, were in a class of their own, establishing their lead early and rarely looking back. Their clinical finishing was on full display throughout the match.
The goals for the victorious Wanderers came from a variety of players, highlighting their squad’s depth. The scorers included:
- Jordi Osei-Tutu
- John McAtee
- Marcus Forss (who scored a brace)
- Toby Ritchie
- Sam Dalby
Oldham Athletic, to their credit, fought back in the second half. They managed to find the net twice through Kane Drummond and Kieron Morris, providing their home fans with a couple of moments to cheer.
Fresh Faces and Returning Stars
Both managers used this fixture as an opportunity to rotate their squads heavily, giving valuable minutes to fringe players and academy prospects.
Wanderers Ring the Changes
Bolton manager Steven Schumacher made a remarkable 11 changes to his starting lineup. This overhaul gave several players a chance to shine. Goalkeeper Nathan Broome and academy defender Sean Hogan both made their senior debuts. In addition, substitutes Toby Ritchie and Harley Irwin also earned their first appearances for the club. The match also saw the welcome return of key players like John McAtee and Charlie Warren from injury, while Kyle Dempsey made his first start since April.
Latics Shuffle the Pack
Similarly, Latics boss Micky Mellon made 10 changes from the team that previously won against Harrogate. Defender Dynel Simeu was handed his debut, but it was unfortunately cut short by an injury just 10 minutes into the game. Furthermore, the match marked an important return for Jack Stevens, who made his first appearance since August following an ankle injury.
Defining Moments Beyond the Scoreline
While the scoreboard tells a story of dominance, several key moments shaped the flow of the game. Early on, Oldham’s Charlie Olson made a vital goal-line clearance to deny Jordi Osei-Tutu. Later in the first half, Bolton had a golden opportunity to extend their lead even further. However, Aaron Morley missed a penalty after Osei-Tutu was fouled in the box. In the second half, Latics came agonizingly close to a third goal when Kian Harratt’s impressive curling effort struck the post.
The Bigger Picture: Records and Reactions
This victory was significant for Bolton Wanderers for several reasons. Firstly, it cemented their 100% record in the Vertu Trophy group stage, which guarantees them a home draw in the Round of 32. Secondly, it was a historic night offensively. The six goals marked the first time the club had scored that many in a competitive away fixture since a 6-1 win against Blackburn Rovers way back in January 1928. Manager Steven Schumacher expressed his delight with the performance, praising the debutants and the overall attacking display.
For Oldham, the result confirmed their exit from the Vertu Trophy. The match was watched by a crowd of 2,392, including an impressive 1,475 travelling Bolton supporters who made their presence felt.
Conclusion: A Statement of Intent from Wanderers
In conclusion, Bolton’s 6-2 demolition of Oldham was a powerful statement. It demonstrated not only their attacking prowess but also the impressive depth of their squad. With a perfect group stage record and a home draw secured, players like Marcus Forss and the team will now look to carry this momentum deep into the knockout rounds of the Vertu Trophy. For Oldham, attention now turns back to their league campaign, having given valuable experience to several squad members.
