• Sunday, October 25, 2009
• Venue: The Reebok Stadium
• Attendance: 21,547
• Referee: Phil Dowd

• Chung-Yong Lee [16]
• Gary Cahill [27]
• Kevin Davies [30]
• Louis Saha [32]
• Marouane Fellaini [55]
• Gary Cahill [57]
• Jlloyd Samuel [61]
• Marouane Fellaini [63]
• Ivan Klasnic [86]

The Wanderers’ great start was evened out by the visitors but persistence earned Bolton a late goal and their first three points to be won at The Reebok since April.

The win was a perfect way for Gary Megson to celebrate his second anniversary in charge at The Reebok Stadium and three of his signing provided the goals and two more providing assists.

Bolton made a terrific start instantly applying pressure to Everton’s defence and nearly scored just a couple minutes into the game but Tamir Cohen’s header from Jlloyd Samuel’s superb cross went just wide. Two minutes later Kevin Davies did the same with Matthew Taylor’s free kick delivery.

While Bolton dominated in the early stages of the match Everton managed to test Bolton’s defence with Sam Ricketts blocking Louis Saha shot. The resulting corner showed Bolton’s ongoing problems defending set–pieces as Joao Alves Jo gets a clear header that fortuitously went wide.

Sam Ricketts was also instrumental in Bolton’s first goal. He strode down the right wing, evading Tony Hibbert with a skilful cross into Everton’s penalty area where Chung–Yong Lee scored his first goal at The Reebok.

Bolton doubled their lead ten minutes later after Felliani elbowed Kevin Davies. The resulting free kick, taken by Matt Taylor, floated into Everton’s penalty area and Gary Cahill rose to header past Tim Howard with apparent ease.

Everton never gave up and the simplicity of Louis Saha’s goal raises further doubts about Bolton’s defending. Everton’s goalkeeper rolled the ball out to Lucas Neill who ran into Bolton’s half unchallenged and delivered a perfect pass to Saha. With only a couple of touches the French striker had plenty of space to shoot from outside the penalty area and curl the ball effortlessly pass Jussi Jaaskelainen. Zat Knight was simply too slow to deal with the threat and seemed to wait for Saha to take him on rather than rushing out to make a challenge.

At the beginning of the second half Bolton looked sluggish compared to their buoyancy 45 minutes earlier. There was definitely a lull in Bolton’s performance.

A similar combination resulted in Everton’s equaliser. A great pass from Australian defender Neill which Zat Knight could have done more to deal with. Instead Fellaini was able to receive the pass with ease and despite Gary Cahill’s best efforts Fellaini still managed to score from an acute angle.

The introduction of Ivan Klasnic just after an hour’s play seemed to lift The Wanderers and shots by the Germanic Croat, Cohen and Fabrice Muamba were all blocked. Another Kevin Davies header went wide and a couple of free kicks created more chances for Bolton whose desire for three points drove them on. Klasnic was floored after what looked like a innocuous clash with perfect passer Lucas Neill — Ivan may have been momentarily unconscious. Klasnic lay face down while team–mates Talyor and Cohen tried to encourage him to get up and concerned referee, Phil Dowd, beckoned the medical team. Thankfully Klasnic got up and obviously persuaded the anxious medics that he was able to carry on.

Just five minutes later Klasnic had scored his first goal for BWFC with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. His goal turned out to be the winner and a joyous Bolton were awarded with three much needed points that lifted them above Everton to 12th position in the Premier League.

Klasnic told the official Bolton website;

“It was important to get the goal. We had played well and deserved to win, so I was pleased to have contributed. Against Tottenham we should have also won, but this time we made sure.”

A chuffed Gary Megson praised Ivan Klasnic in his postmatch review saying;

“Ivan had just one thought on his mind when he went on to the pitch. He had one shot just before on his right foot when he perhaps should have passed to Chung-Yong. But you cannot criticise him for having that personality – his goal was a fantastic strike.”

A trip to London for Bolton Wanderers next as they try to make progress in The Carling Cup with a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

BWFC Match Report — Megson’s Review
EFC Match Report