Nolan hits winner
|
Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Nolan struck the winner in last night's 1-0 victory at high-flying Portsmouth.
Nolan brilliantly fired home from just outside the Pompey box after Linvoy Primus' headed clearance fell to him.
Pompey should have already been ahead, with Sol Campbell heading wide and Sean Davis side-footing against the post.
Benjani Mwaruwari twice shot wide from great openings either side of the break as Bolton held on to move up to sixth.
As well as denying Portsmouth the chance to go above Chelsea, they also succeeded in ruining Milan Mandaric's big night as the ex-chairman said goodbye after seven years at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said afterwards: "It was a difficult night because their keeper made four great saves but we didn't get a break.
"I couldn't have asked for any more from them, they pummelled away and if we play like that we will be OK.
"We needed to stick a chance away before they scored and it may have opened up, but it wasn't to be. They hung in there and full credit to them."
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce also said: "It was a typical backs-to-the-wall performance from 11 very committed, determined players.
"We've been slightly missing that edge and tonight we didn't slip up. We stuck to the basics and they were terrific.
"Kevin Nolan's goal was fantastic, it was an outstanding hit and it turned the game in our favour. After that we protected our lead really well."
Nolan brilliantly fired home from just outside the Pompey box after Linvoy Primus' headed clearance fell to him.
Pompey should have already been ahead, with Sol Campbell heading wide and Sean Davis side-footing against the post.
Benjani Mwaruwari twice shot wide from great openings either side of the break as Bolton held on to move up to sixth.
As well as denying Portsmouth the chance to go above Chelsea, they also succeeded in ruining Milan Mandaric's big night as the ex-chairman said goodbye after seven years at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said afterwards: "It was a difficult night because their keeper made four great saves but we didn't get a break.
"I couldn't have asked for any more from them, they pummelled away and if we play like that we will be OK.
"We needed to stick a chance away before they scored and it may have opened up, but it wasn't to be. They hung in there and full credit to them."
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce also said: "It was a typical backs-to-the-wall performance from 11 very committed, determined players.
"We've been slightly missing that edge and tonight we didn't slip up. We stuck to the basics and they were terrific.
"Kevin Nolan's goal was fantastic, it was an outstanding hit and it turned the game in our favour. After that we protected our lead really well."
<< Home