Bolton gifted West Brom three points in this blood-and-thunder battle.
In the dying seconds of the first half, Bolton full-back Robbie Elliott
attempted to backpass but presented Jason Roberts with a golden chance. The big
striker accepted it, waltzing around Jussi Jaaskelainen to score a simple goal.
Prior to that a game that had opened brightly had deteriorated into a midfield
stalemate.
After four minutes good work between Dean Holdsworth and Michael Ricketts had
carved out a chance for Kevin Nolan who shot narrowly wide.
Seconds later, at the other end, West Brom's deadly duo Lee Hughes and Roberts
created an opening, but Roberts was foiled by a last-ditch tackle from Colin
Hendry.
In the 29th minute Hendry foiled Roberts again by flinging his body into the
path of a fierce drive.
Defences dominated much of the game with Hendry and Bergsson solid for Bolton,
and Carbon and Chambers in command for the visitors.
As frustration increased Ricketts and West Brom full-back Neil Clement were
booked for a bout of pushing, although you would have seen much worse at the
January sales.
Indeed, some strange refereeing decisions from David Pugh served only to
incense both fans and players. In the second half Bolton almost presented the
visitors with a second goal as Bergsson, under no pressure, kicked the ball
against his own post.
Chances were rare as Bolton failed to capitalise from sustained pressure with
West Brom matching them in midfield.
Holdsworth brought a superb diving save from Jensen on 74 minutes but Bolton
produced few shots on target.
After five straight wins Bolton were left empty handed, with only themselves
to blame. And West Brom got their promotion hopes back on track after the Boxing
Day flop at Sheffield United.
Teams
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, O'Kane (Charlton 64), Elliott, Hendry,
Bergsson, Hansen (Marshall 76), Farrelly, Nolan, Gardner,
Holdsworth, Ricketts (Frandsen 45).
Subs Not Used: Banks, Passi.
Booked: Nolan, Ricketts.
West Brom: Jensen, Lyttle, Clement,
James Chambers (Sigurdsson 86), Carbon, Butler, Grant, Sneekes,
Jordao, Hughes (Taylor 81), Roberts.
Subs Not Used: Adamson, Balis, Quinn.
Booked: Clement, Hughes.
Goals: Roberts 45.
Att: 18,985
Ref: D Pugh (Bebington).
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