Bolton this season appeared in their first major cup final for nine years, when they reached the Carling Cup Final on Sunday, February 29th 2004, against Middlesbrough. Here, their amazing journey is told...

Bolton faced off against Walsall for the second time in three seasons at this stage of the competition. Back in 01-02, the Wanderers were sitting at the top of the Premiership, but had to battle through extra time to see off the newly-arrived Division One side's challenge, eventually winning a thriller 4-3.

This season, there was no such difficulty, as Bolton always looked in control of the tie. Brazilian hitman Mario Jardel grabbed a brace, opening the scoring, and wrapping the tie up with ten minutes remaining, when he slotted home a rebound after missing a penalty. Kevin Nolan also netted with a great strike from the edge of the area, whilst veteran Paul Merson pulled a goal back for the visitors before Jardel's second.

Bolton Wanderers 3 (Jardel 15, 80, Nolan 69)

Walsall 1 (Merson 74)

Bolton comfortably booked a place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a relatively easy victory over Division One side Gillingham.

The Wanderers never really had to worry against the visitors, who had former Wanderer Nicky Southall in their side. Stelios Giannakopoulos grabbed his first goal for Bolton when he capitalised on a mistake in the Gillingham defence, and Henrik Pedersen fired home with a good finish midway through the second half. Bolton could even afford to miss a golden opportunity, as Mario Jardel fired over from two yards out late on.

Bolton Wanderers 2 (Giannakopoulos, Pedersen)

Gillingham 0