Postmatch Report – UEFA Cup – Away to Plovdiv
Locomotiv Plovdiv 1 – 2 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers win 4-2 on aggregate
Ground: The Naftex Stadium | Attendance: 14,000 | Referee: Jouni Hyytia
- [51] Iliev – Plovdiv
- [78] Nevchev (OG) – Bolton
- [86] Nolan – Bolton
There had been apprehension and much speculation amongst Trotters fans about who would be playing in tonight’s game in Bulgaria, and no doubt some amongst BWFC staff too. Broken bones were certainly going to keep Nicky Hunt and Ivan Campo out and Jaidi and Speed were not match fit either.
Bolton’s biggest change to the team was Ian Walker replacing Jussi in goal, however Jussi was on the bench alongside Davis, Nolan, Vaz Te, Gardener, Nakata and defender Fojut. O’Brien made the start having only made his debut as a sub during the last game (Portsmouth).
The first half was rather dull, Plovdiv made many runs into the Bolton half, but The Wanderers defended well and hardly gave them a chance. However Bolton didn’t attack too much and did not create many opportunities throughout the game. Bolton’s first strike [26] came from El-Hadji Diouf whose long range shot went over (not a bad effort).
In the last few minutes of the first half Plovdiv seemed to take control in the midfield and put Bolton under increasing pressure that resulted in a couple of corners and a couple of moments of mild panic in Bolton’s penalty area.
The second half was delayed slightly and the home fans had lit fireworks and flares that caused a lot of smoke. Referee waited for a short while before the game was allowed to continue.
6 minutes into the second half and from way outside the box Georgi Iliev scored with a superb, powerful shot that took Bolton’s defence and ‘keeper Walker by surprise. Top right corner from 30 yards an excellent goal.
The score now at 2-2 Plovdiv would go through to the next round because of the away goal rule. Bolton had to score.
Only 4 more minutes passed and Sam Allardyce made a double substitution. Nolan on for Fernandes (who hadn’t featured too much during the game) and Davies replaced Borgetti up front. No progress was made by either team Nakata came on for O’Brien 11 minutes later.
No sooner had Hidetoshi dirtied his white boots Plovdiv were in attacking mode. Ben Haim came to the rescue with a nice little foul which was beautifully timed to be just outside the penalty box. Appeals for a penalty were made but the observant referee signalled for a free kick, which flew over the bar onto the netting.
In the 72 minute Diouf was brought down wide on the left, Nakata sent the ball into the box, confusion reigned but Plovdiv got the ball away as far a Jay-Jay whose goalward pass (maybe a shot) was met easily by Plovdiv goalkeeper, Kolev.
Spurred on by the travelling fans Bolton began to apply the pressure and looked confident in taking the ball forward. Henrik Pedersen made a run down the left wing and crossed the ball low into the box. The keeper ran out to collect while defender Aleksander Tunchev panicked to get a touch and deflected the ball into his own net. I don’t care how it happened, it did and it is about time that Bolton are the recipients of a little luck.
The Bolton fans erupted and Bolton were on track to getting through to the next round in Europe. Just to make sure Kevin Nolan scored from just outside the penalty area (centre), following a neat cross from Davies. Absolutely brilliant!
2-1 on the night (for the second time) and 4-2 on aggregate Bolton Wanderers advance to the second round of the UEFA Cup in their first campaign in Europe.
The draw for the second round will take place an next Tuesday (October 4th).
Bolton’s injury troubles worsen as Nicky Hunt has been ruled out for six weeks due to a hairline fracture in his left leg. Nicky limped off towards the end of Bolton’s win against Portsmouth at The Reebok at the weekend.
