Overview
- Bolton won 2-1 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium as Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale scored in the first half and Jusef Erabi pulled one back late for Preston.
- The match took place on Saturday and was Bolton’s first Championship fixture since 2019 after they secured promotion with a 4-1 play-off final victory over Stockport.
- Preston’s record signing Alfie Devine featured as the visitors pushed late and used substitutes to create chances, but they missed opportunities to salvage a draw.
- The game was shown live on Sky Sports+ and attracted a sell-out crowd with around 4,000 Preston supporters reported to have travelled, adding to strong local and betting interest.
- Bolton’s opening-day win hands them early momentum in a season with an expanded play-off system and increases the value of consistent league form for both clubs.