High-flying Bolton extended their good run of results with a deserved 3-0 win over
struggling Sheffield Wednesday.
First-half strikes from Ricardo Gardner and Michael Ricketts were good enough
to hand Bolton their 10th win in the last 12 league games.
Wednesday made a game of it in the second half, Gerald Sibon's 30-yard shot
cannoned off the Bolton bar.
But the damage had already been done as Wednesday faced an uphill struggle.
Bolton substitute Ian Marshall added a third goal late on to pile on the misery
for the home side.
Bolton enjoyed the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes, with
Gardner causing Wednesday all sorts of problems.
On 10 minutes the winger did well to control a looped ball before forcing
Owls' keeper Marlon Beresford into a fine save from his volley.
The home side's only real threat came on four minutes. A Con Blatsis long
thrown was flicked on by striker Andy Booth, only for Bolton keeper Steve Banks
to tip the ball over the bar.
On 19 minutes Bolton opened the scoring through Gardner. A long clearance from
Banks was flicked on by Ricketts to Gardner, who outpaced the Wednesday defence
before side-footing his shot past the helpless Beresford.
Bolton kept on the pressure as the Owls threatened to crumble, Ricketts
breaking the Wednesday offside trap before forcing Beresford into another fine
save.
With five minutes of the half remaining Wanderers doubled their lead. A
delightful crossfield ball from Bo Hansen broke the Owls' defence in two, and
Ricketts was given time to control and fire a shot beyond the despairing reach
of Beresford.
After the break Bolton threatened to extend their lead but were denied by some
excellent keeping from Beresford, who was making his home debut.
Gudni Bergsson's fierce 20-yard shot stung the hands of the on-loan
shot-stopper. Minutes later a Per Frandsen free-kick from the edge of the area
was well gathered by Beresford.
After the hour mark the Owls started to look more dangerous and were unlucky
not to at least pull one goal back.
A Matt Hamshaw cross was met by the head of Alan Quinn, but Banks was equal to
his attempt.
Sibon then collected a quick free-kick before unleashing an unstoppable
30-yard drive against the bar.
As the Owls forced forward, Wanderers netted their third of the afternoon. A
Robbie Elliott throw-in was watched by everyone allowing Marshall to turn a shot
into the near post past a bewildered Beresford.
Sheff Wed (0) 0 Bolton (2) 3
Sheff Wed: Beresford, Haslam, Harkness, Quinn, Sibon,
Booth (Ekoku 79), De Bilde (Hamshaw 63), Hendon (Morrison 45),
Lescott, Westwood, Blatsis.
Subs Not Used: Stringer, Bromby.
Booked: Hendon, Harkness.
Bolton: Banks, Whitlow (Barness 41), Bergsson, Warhurst,
Elliott, Frandsen, Hansen (Summerbee 78), Gardner, Nolan,
Ricketts (Marshall 74), Hendry.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Holdsworth.
Booked: Ricketts.
Goals: Gardner 19, Ricketts 40, Marshall 88.
Att: 17,638
Ref: F Stretton (Nottingham).
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