Bolton held by Boro

Wednesday, 03, May 2006 11:07

Bolton Wanderers drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough after failing to make their relentless pressure count.

Bolton should have scored several times before Adam Johnson gave Boro an undeserved lead early into the second half.

Stand-in keeper Ross Turnbull was on hand to turn away an early strike from Ricardo Vaz Te as the young Portuguese was involved in everything for the Trotters.

The youngster in goal for Boro was fortunate to keep the next shot out as Kevin Nolan's close range flick ricocheted off his legs.

Vaz Te cut the ball back perfectly into the path of the on-rushing Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata but he ballooned the ball over the bar when he had to score.

It was a miracle that the two sides went in level but within two minutes of the start of the second period Johnson's shot cannoned off Tal Ben Haim and past Jussi Jaaskelainen to give Boro a surprise lead.

Five minutes later Vaz Te rose powerfully to head the ball into the back of the net from Jay-Jay Okocha.

Bolton continued to take the game to Boro but the killer final ball or the lucky break never materialised and the teams shared the points.