Nolan denies Pompey top spot
Kevin Nolan volley denies Pompey top spot
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Monday, 25, Sep 2006 10:00
Kevin Nolan reinforced his impressive credentials by sealing Bolton's first away win of the year via a fine first-half volley at Portsmouth.
The Trotters skipper, touted by many as deserving of an England call-up, struck in the 22nd minute, latching onto a poor defensive header from Linvoy Primus and lashing the ball past a helpless David James in the Pompey goal.
Chances went begging for both sides thereafter although Sol Campbell and Sean Davis had already squandered gilt-edged chances for the home side.
Benjani Mwaruwari had a number of glorious chances to appease the vociferous crowd including one second-half effort which he sliced woefully wide when it seemed a goal surely beckoned.
But Nolan's goal proved decisive as Sam Allardyce's side hung on for a well-earned 1-0 win and all three points to take them to sixth in the Premiership and within four points of the leaders Chelsea.
While the result was the perfect antidote for Allardyce after his tumultuous week following the Panorama bung investigation, it was hardly the one Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp would have been hoping for.
Redknapp's side, unbeaten and without a goal conceded prior to Bolton's visit, would have returned to the top of the Premiership had they managed a fifth win of the season but they now slip to third.
Pompey had extra incentive too as Fratton Park waved farewell to arguably its saviour, Milan Mandaric, who is stepping down from his post as chairman after seven years in the job.