Eddie was forced into making the one change following Simon Francis' red card card against Wednesday, with Adam Smith being drafted in at right back.
Amidst an electrically charged and crackling atmosphere, AFCB flew out of the blocks, immediately putting Bolton on the back foot, and it would not be too long that we had to wait to see the first effort on goal. in fact it took just 120 seconds for Callum Wilson to draw a smart stop from Bogdan. The Cherries continued to dominate possession, but against a very well marshalled defence real gilt edged opportunities proved to be at a premium, and when they did find a way through, they found Bogdan at the top of his game, saving brilliantly firstly again from Callum and then Matt Ritchie in a space of a matter of seconds and pulling off a further fine saves tipping Kermit's thunderous drive over the bar before being relieved to see a header from him fly narrowly over the bar from a Matt cross midway through the half. At the other end, Artur was little more than a spectator.
The Cherries finally got the breakthrough that their dominance deserved and the the fans craved in the 39th minute. Matt crossed to the far post and found Marc Pugh in a bit of space but with still plenty to do. He managed to cut back inside before lashing the ball left footed into the top corner. AFCB 1 Bolton 0.
Five minutes later and with half time beckoning Matt turned from provider to scorer, finishing off a fine team move by firing into the bottom corner. AFCB 2 Bolton 0 at the break, and Dean Court was truly rocking.
We carried on where we left off after the break, continuing to dominate possession and territory with Bolton in truth really offering little more than a token threat. A number of half decent and presentable chances were created but the all important third goal just wouldn't come. Kermit tried an audacious effort from fully 45 yards out on the right that had Bogdan scampering backwards for all he was worth before finally being able to paw the ball away with his fingertips from under the crossbar for a corner. In the 70th minute the all important opportunity to finally put the game to bed arrived with Callum being somewhat unceremoniously cleaned out by Dervite. Referee Hooper had little option other than to show a straight red (he had already been booked in any event) and point to the spot. Clearly no quota issue this week, then. Kermit, however, unfortunately hadn't read the script and skied the ball a good couple of yards over the bar.
There was no need to panic, however, as in the 78th minute Callum spun away from his marker and buried a right foot shot into the bottom corner. AFCB 3 Bolton 0. Cue scenes of wild jubilation and unbridled emotion.
Eddie rang the changes in the final ten minutes, replacing Matt, Kermit and Marc, all leaving to standing ovations, and replacing them with Wee Ryan, Brett and Dan Gosling respectively. There was even still time for Harry to pick up his customary yellow card for what I think was his only foul of the evening.
At the final whistle the spontaneous pitch invasion was an explosion of joy and unbridled celebration in recognition of the hugely entertaining brand of football that we have enjoyed all season, and the acknowledgement that, yes, the Red's really are going up (barring a monumental meltdown at Charlton, that is).
Yes, we dared to dream the impossible dream. Thank you, Eddie, Jason and everyone involved at the club, both on the pitch and behind the scenes. You have given us enough memories this season to last a lifetime.
Man of the Match: A really difficult choice, but for his selfless running all night and the crucial opening goal that calmed everyone's nerves, I would give it to Marc Pugh.
AFCB: Boruc, Smith, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh, Kermorgant, Wilson
Subs: Camp, Harte, Ward, Jones, Fraser (for Ritchie, 83 mins), Gosling (for Pugh, 89 mins), Pitman (for Kermorgant, 80 mins)
Dave Linsay, South Woodham Ferrers