Bolton Wanderers 1 — 1 Stoke City
A Late Penalty Saves Wanderers
- Saturday, September 19, 2009
- Venue: The Reebok Stadium
- Attendance: 20,265
- Referee: Mark Clattenburg
- Ricardo Fuller [7]
- Kevin Davies [45+1]
- Jlloyd Samuel [51]
- Dave Kitson [53]
- Dean Whitehead [58]
- Matt Taylor (Penalty) [89]
A dismal match in which a late goal provided little consolation for angry and dissatisfied Bolton fans.
I truly wish that there was some creative play and tremendous footballing skills on display in the first 45 minutes of this fixture. Alas, there wasn’t and as a result the only notable incidents were at either end of the half in which two players were booked for what is officially termed as ‘simulation’ although better known as cheating diving.
Less than 10 minutes had been played when referee Mark Clattenburg booked Ricardo Fuller for a dive inside Bolton’s penalty area after a possible trip by McCann. Kevin Davies went down after a challenge by Ryan Shawcross, Clattenburg waved away Kevin’s protest. Moments later, before the half–time booing could commence, Kevin Davies also received a yellow card for simulation despite a hard challenge from behind by former Wanderer, Abdoulaye Faye, the referee obviously not impressed with the captain’s ongoing protest. Only replays will provide the truth but such controversial decisions will always cause discontent amongst players and fans.
After the break Gary Megson brought on Ivan Klasnic and Ricardo Gardner and Bolton improved after quelling Stoke’s early liveliness that earned them an early second half corner and a couple more claims for a penalty. Gardner and Klasic combined well to create a great chance for Matt Taylor who struck the ball just beyond the left post.
Stoke instantly fought back and Tamir Cohen looked asleep as Dave Kitson fiented his way past the defended and created enough space for a powerful shot from the far left of the home side’s area. Stoke were ahead and defended well to keep it that way. Gardener was denied a certain equaliser 10 minutes later by a deft defensive header by Shawcross.
Bolton did manage to create a flurry of chances. Klasnic forced a great save by Sorenson. The resulting corner saw a blocked overhead kick by Gary Cahill and a pirouetting Zat Knight on the edge of the six–yard box who ungraciously sent the ball over the bar and perhaps into orbit. Kevin Davies had a couple of shots blocked and Tamir Cohen’s attempt in the last 10 minutes was somewhat wayward.
As Bolton fans began to leave rather than observe what looked like a certain miserable defeat a rash tackle by Danny Collins on Samuel Ricketts gave a glimmer of hope. Mark Clatterburg instantly made the right decision and pointed to the penalty spot. A miss would have been a fair summary of the game but Matt Taylor duly netted the ball choosing placement over power. Bolton salvage a point but nonetheless sheer disappointment won overall.
If you happen to drive past The Reebok Stadium tomorrow do not be surprised to find that a gallows has been constructed overnight.
Official BWFC Match Report and Megson’s Review.
Official SCFC Match Report and Tony Pulis on today’s match.
Video Highlights on MannyRoad
Gary Megson
“Bibi has been out for six weeks and he did well to play 45 minutes. He trained Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and he’s got a natural fitness about him, more than that he gets hold of the ball and he wants to be positive — he’s a terrific lad and a terrific player, he gives us that capacity he takes hold of the ball, takes a touch and it means we can start playing a bit more.
“Ivan came on with a point to prove and I think he did very well in the second half getting hold of the ball and he could have scored.”
Tony Pulis
I’m just desperately, desperately disappointed not to have won the game. It’s an absolute sickener for us and for all of the supporters who travelled. I think we played really well today and we deserved the three points.
