By Laurie Whitwell for MailOnline
Published: 17:06 BST, 19 April 2019 | Updated: 17:14 BST, 19 April 2019
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This was an occasion of contrasting emotions for teams heading in opposite directions.
For Bolton Wanderers, defeat brought confirmation of a relegation that has looked inevitable for some time. For Aston Villa, a club-record ninth successive victory added to the promise this season can end in promotion.
Once again Jack Grealish was the instigator, making things happen in that unique style of his.
Bolton Wanderers suffered relegation to League One after defeat by Aston Villa
Wanderers players look dejected as the full-time whistle blows at the Macron Stadium
Whatever happens he really should be a Premier League player next term.
Grealish scored the first with a far-post header, then made the second for Tammy Abraham through a delightful piece of skill. Abraham injured himself in the act of scoring and trudged off nursing his shoulder to prompt some concern for Dean Smith for the play-offs ahead.
The worries at Bolton run much deeper of course. On Wednesday the club were hours away from administration before Laurence Bassini completed his takeover, subject to EFL approval, and the new owner was at the University of Bolton Stadium to watch his team slip into League One.
The Villains earned their ninth Championship win in a row against Bolton
Moving on from the abysmal regime of Ken Anderson is a positive step but the debts remain and Bassini’s three-year ban from being in a position of authority with any EFL club following his role at Watford means