ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Bolton Wanderers 1 Wolves 0:DANIEL STURRIDGE, with a goal three minutes into stoppage time after a poor back pass from Ronald Zubar, secured the points for Bolton on his debut last night.
Wolves, looking to claim a first point anywhere other than Molineux or Merseyside, dropped to the foot of the table and only the heroics of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey saved them from a heavier defeat.
With Mick McCarthy reverting to the policy of flooding the midfield and fielding Kevin Doyle alone in attack that brought safety last season, it was imperative the Wexford man received support.
Adam Hammill offered the most, proving much Wolves’ most inventive player. A weaving solo run took him infield to attempt a shot that Gary Cahill blocked. Yet Jussi Jaaskelainen was essentially untroubled until he had to hold a skimming effort from David Jones.
Bolton’s set-piece prowess almost brought a breakthrough. Davies headed Taylor’s corner down and, barely two yards out, Chung Yone Lee attempted to apply the finishing touch but Hennessey flicked his effort away.
Sturridge was brought on for the final quarter of the game as Bolton, who had failed to score in their three previous games, continued their quest for a winner. Jamie O’Hara was introduced by McCarthy as Wolves looked to shut up shop. But they were to be outdone by the debut boy.
Guardian Service
BOLTON:Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Lee (Moreno 67), Holden, Mark Davies, Taylor (Sturridge 67), Elmander, Kevin Davies (Muamba 90). Subs Not Used: Bogdan, Petrov, Klasnic, Wheater. Booked: Robinson. Goals: Sturridge 90.
WOLVERHAMPTON:Hennessey, Zubar, Berra, Stearman, Elokobi, Hammill (Ebanks-Blake 89), David Jones, Henry, Edwards (O'Hara 75), Jarvis (Ward 75), Doyle. Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Craddock, Fletcher, Milijas. Booked: Stearman, Henry, Zubar.
Referee:P Walton (Northamptonshire).
