West Brom settle for stalemate

Monday, 17, Apr 2006 10:03

West Brom held on for a 0-0 draw with Bolton at the Hawthorns to grab a vital point and close the gap on Portsmouth to three.

Things could have panned out far better for Albion but they contrived to miss three clear headed chances as they searched for a breakthrough.

But Bolton will also be slightly aggrieved with the result, particularly after Kevin Nolan missed the best chance of the game which could and perhaps should have secured all three points.

Both teams looked short of confidence and the game was scrappy as neither side looked to carry sufficient goal threat.

Brom skipper Curtis Davies continued his fine form in defence for the home team as typified by a crunching, goal-saving challenge on Nolan as he charged into the area early in the game.

Jussi Jaaskelainen was the first keeper forced into a serious save on 37 minutes, when Zoltan Gera's header was deflected towards goal but Bolton's number one was up to the task.

The visitor's best chance in the first period came via Hidetoshi Nakata but the Japanese international dragged his shot wide of the post as he struck the ball from the edge of the penalty area.

Diomansy Kamara should have scored have broken the deadlock on 72 minutes but he could only poke the ball wide of the post after a Kevin Campbell flick on.

The home fans began to vent their frustration at a series of missed chances but in the end Bolton should have snatched the points.

Trotters substitute Ricardo Vaz Te, who reinvigorated the away side after coming on, volleyed wide of the post before Nolan blazed over the bar with the goal gaping.

The result leaves Sam Allardyce's Europe-chasing Bolton in eighth place behind Newcastle, while Bryan Robson's Baggies remain second bottom and still in need of another minor miracle to stave off relegation.