Wanderers take the points

October 16 2004

Premiership

A goal by Kevin Davies at the end of the first half was enough for Bolton Wanderers to take the 3 points.

Andy Johnson, playing as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation, had a great chance to put Palace in front after only 5 minutes. He was put through on goal, but his touch let him down.

On 9 minutes, Ben Watson had a free kick, which could have troubled Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal, if it hadn't deflected for a corner.

Bolton, who were playing without star striker Jay-Jay Okocha - who was out with a groin injury, were further unsettled when Gary Speed and Ivan Campo were both injured in an aerial challenge.

Sam Allardyce decided to replace Campo with Henrik Pedersen, after it became clear he couldn't continue.

Gabor Kiraly made a superb save on 34 minutes from Stelios Giannakopoulos' deflected shot.

However shortly before half time he couldn't keep out a Kevin Davies header from Speed's free kick.

Just after half time Palace should have been level. Jaaskelainen could only parry Watson's free-kick, and Danny Granville managed to hit the crossbar from 6 yards out.

Palace continued to work hard for an equaliser, but were unable to unlock the Bolton defence.

The defeat resulted in Palace returning to the foot of the Premiership.

Bolton Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Jaidi, N'Gotty, Gardner, Campo, Nolan, Speed, Giannakopoulos, Davies, Diouf.

Subs: Barness, Pedersen, Oakes, Ferdinand, Fadiga.

Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Boyce, Popovic, Hall, Granville, Routledge, Riihilahti, Watson, Hughes, Kolkka, Johnson.

Subs: Speroni, Derry, Freedman, Sorondo, Lakis.

Referee: N. Barry (N Lincolnshire)

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