Dan Barnes

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom said his side were caught cold by Bolton Wanderers’ atmosphere and intensity in a 2–1 Championship defeat. Bolton scored through Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale in the first half, while Preston improved after the break and pulled one back through Jusef Erabi. Heckingbottom criticized defensive errors on both goals and said his team failed to capitalize on attacking opportunities, including a late chance for Liam Lindsay that could have secured an equalizer.

Bury manager Anthony Johnson celebrated a dramatic comeback victory over Curzon Ashton at Gigg Lane, securing Bury's first league win of the season. He criticised his side's sloppy first-half approach and failure to exploit the flanks, but praised a relentless second-half performance after tactical discussions and substitutions. Johnson highlighted the impact of Mo Touray, Kai Evans and Luca Navarro, while acknowledging the quality of Curzon's forwards Tony Weston and Alex Curran.