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Bolton Wanderers 1 – 1 Aston Villa
Ground: Reebok Stadium | Attendance: 18,413 | Referee: Martin Atkinson
- [22] Anelka – Bolton
- [57] Moore – Villa
New Bolton boss, Gary Megson, admitted to leaving the dressing room as late as possible to avoid the jeers, chants and boos of the home support.
Although there was some anger being expressed about Bolton’s current predicament the atmosphere inside The Reebok was certainly friendlier than that of the UEFA Cup match against Braga.
Anelka’s superb free-kick took The Wanderers ahead in the 22nd minute despite Stuart Taylor’s effort to keep a clean sheet. Much like the attendance figures, team spirit has been falling steadily this season but Anelka’s great goal certainly boosted the spirit of his team-mates and fans alike.
Bolton began to play with greater confidence and could have extended their lead but Anelka chose to control and curl Diouf’s direct pass rather than shoot first time, alas his tactic sent the ball just the wrong side of the upright.
Bolton were in control for much of the first half, the only threat of an equaliser came just a minute before half-time when panic reigned in Bolton’s box momentarily while defenders scurried to clear a parried shot by Villa’s Shaun Maloney.
Martin O’Neil made a double substitution after the break, obviously not impressed with his team’s efforts in the first 45 minutes.


Bolton’s newly appointed manager joined caretaker boss Archie Knox in the dugout for tonight’s UEFA Cup clash between The Wanderers and Portuguese club SC Braga.


