Bolton inches away from safety after Black Cats win
Bolton Wanderers 'guarantee' Premier League safety
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Saturday, 03, May 2008 07:27
Bolton Wanderers have all-but guaranteed top flight football next season by beating Sunderland 2-0 at home.
A well-taken strike from El Hadji Diouf at the end of the first half an a headed own goal from Daryl Murphy at the end of the second gave Bolton the three points.
Wins for Fulham against Birmingham, and Tottenham at Reading meant Bolton went into the match at the Reebok knowing a win would virtually guarantee Premier League safety, save for a goal glut at Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season.
Gary Megson's side's chances were boosted by the return of Kevin Davies from suspension, but tempered by already-safe Sunderland paying their rivals due respect by naming a full-strength side.
Bolton shaded the early possession but failed to test goalkeeper Craig Gordon, despite Roy Keane's defence looking shaky.
The Black Cats looked dangerous on the break but Liam Milller and Michael Chopra were wasteful in possession.
As half-time approached the home side got the crucial breakthrough when Diouf controlled Kevin Nolan's chipped cross in the six-yard box and powered the ball into the top corner.
The striker, possibly playing in his last game for Bolton at the Reebok, was afforded space to shoot after clever running from Davies and Gretar Steinsson.
After the restart Bolton continued to dominate possession of the ball, but Diouf failed to capitalise on a series of headed chances.
Bolton's search for a second goal was always going to leave them vulnerable to Sunderland counter-attacks, but when the clear-cut chance arrived it was phenomenally fluffed by Kenwyne Jones.
The former Southampton striker, one of Sunderland's best players this season, missed an open goal when he stuck a boot out at the ball with the goal gaping when a header would clearly have been the best option.
Sunderland were punished for Jones' profligacy when Bolton got their second goal.
Murphy's attempt at a headed clearance from a Bolton corner was judged to have crossed the line by the assistant referee in the 83rd minute.
The win means Bolton have a three-point cushion over their relegation rivals and are all-but guaranteed Premier League football next season by virtue of their superior goal difference.