Away to Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic 0 – 1 Bolton Wanderers
Ground: The Valley | Attendance: 26,175 | Referee: M Clattenburg
- [72] Nolan – Bolton
The Trotters go fourth but Man U play away to Middlesbrough later.
COME ON ‘BORO
COME ON ‘BORO
COME ON ‘BOROMIDDLESBROUGH SCORE!!! 2 minutes – too early I fear.
Report to follow…
The game opened at a high pace but with very little to get excited about apart from Kevin Davies heading close in the third minute. Both teams shared possession and pretty much took turn in forming an attack but neither team could finish.
Jussi Jaaskelainen caused some worry after twisting his ankle but was able to carry on after receiving treatment. Soon after there was a comedy moment Jay Bothroyd totally missing the ball on the edge of the six-yard-box following Ambrose’s low cross from the left. Bolton could breathe again as it was a clear chance to open the scoring.
Bothroyd had a successful strike of the ball which was blocked and fell for Darren Ambrose. It seemed like Ambrose had scored from close range but the referee spotted Ambrose using his arm to gain control and therefore did not allow the goal.
Bolton could breathe for a second time in the opening 22 minutes.
Charlton did seem the more likely to score as the first half drew to an end but Jussi was only required to take goal kicks as Charlton failed to test the Bolton ‘keeper.
Five minutes after the break Gary Speed was first to come close to scoring with his powerful free-kick from 25 yards out. Stephan Anderson made a great save on his line as Bolton closed in.
Bolton enjoyed more possession in the second half but Charlton defended well making The Trotters struggle when going forward. Kevin Davis came everso close but couldn’t quite reach Diouf’s cross across the six yard box.
Charlton when close to scoring again in the 71st minute when substitute Johansson volleyed causing Jussi to make a save (his first in the game).
[GOAL]
A minute later and Abdoulaye Faye had enough time and space to take a shot from some distance and Addicks’ goalkeeper had to make a fine save after the ball from deflected by team-mate Spector. The ball found its way to Hidetoshi Nataka who rolled it to the centre where Kevin Nolan was waiting to pounce. 1-0 to Bolton.
With less than 10 minutes to go and a goal up Sam Allardyce made changes for Bolton to be more defensive. Jay-Jay Okocha came on for Diouf (83) and Tal Ben Haim replaced a slightly worn Nakata.
As the clocked ticked towards the end of the game Charlton nearly equalised. Jussi saved the day with a superb reaction save to deny Johansson (again) who headed his shot from close range (closer than ‘close range’ in fact.)
The game ended and Bolton were up to fourth with Chelsea at the top, WIGAN SECOND (brilliant, well done), and Spurs in third. It was up to Middlesbrough to defend The Trotters’ position as Manchester wanted to lessen the 13 point gap to the top. Result from The Riverside – 4-1 to ‘Boro! Excellent result.
Bolton remain 4th in The Premiership but if Charlton had had their leading scorer, Darren Bent it may have been different. Nonetheless, this was a great result for The Wanderers and a very important win, the future is looking bright – bright white.
