Pompey and Bolton fans have been engaging in a spot of social media swordplay in recents weeks as supporters from both sides debate who’s the better team.
Those members of the Fratton faithful who have engaged can rightly point to the fact that it was their side, not Wanderers, who secured the 2023-24 League One title and with it promotion as Ian Evatt’s side currently navigate their way through the play-offs – with no guarantee of a place in next season’s Championship.
This term’s four points out of a potential six versus Bolton also support the Pompey supporters’ claim. That hasn’t stopped some Trotters fans, though, from asserting that their team is superior. This attitude was common following the teams’ 1-1 draw at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in April.
The Blues had to postpone their promotion celebration because of the impasse. But, when a return to the Championship was announced a few days after the team’s victory over Barnsley at Fratton Park—an event that called for a pitch invasion—there was no sign of remorse!
These images were repeated at Bolton last week as Evatt & Co. defeated Barnsley to book their spot in the League One play-off final versus Oxford.
And while Pompey supporters will be at ease knowing they have additional weapons if their competitors want to carry on the heated argument, Trotters and U’s supporters will be stressed out over tomorrow’s crucial Wembley occasion (4.15pm kickoff)!
In fact, Bolton is stating that they have sold more than 30,000 tickets for the Oxford match with just one day to go before kickoff. That number is comparable to what the U’s are claiming, but it is still far less than the number of Pompey supporters that went to Wembley with the Blues in 2019 to watch the EFL Trophy final against Sunderland.
More than forty thousand Fratton loyal people flocked to the capital on that day. It’s a figure that the Black Cats met, guaranteeing an attendance of 85,021 as Kenny Jackett’s team prevailed via penalties.
That number continues to be the greatest attendance total for the trophy; 79,389 people attended the Bolton vs. Plymouth final last year.
Undoubtedly, the 2008 FA Cup final between Pompey and Cardiff still holds the record for the largest attendance at the new Wembley, with 89,874 spectators witnessing Kanu’s team win.
What a memorable event that turned out to be, giving fans some enduring memories. However, the conversation will undoubtedly go on as both groups of ardent supporters maintain their positions!
That ought to provide for some intriguing matchups in the Championship the following year. But there’s also no mistaking who Blues supporters want to prevail over Oxford on Saturday!
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