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Bolton and Middlesbrough played out an uneventful 0-0 draw at the Reebok Stadium. The hosts edged the battle, having seen more of the ball and created most of the chances, neither side could put the ball in the net. After a slow start to the game, Gary Speed had the first chance of the game, sending a 20-yard free-kick just wide of the target, with the majority of the crowd thinking the ball had gone in the top corner. Middlesbrough were struggling in midfield and brought Emanuel Pogatetz on after half an hour, replacing Andrew Taylor. Summer signing Gary O'Neil tried to get through before the break, first having his shot blocked, and then being caught in possession by Gerald Cid. But it was Bolton who came closest to the breakthrough. Just before the break, the ball broke to Kevin Davies who's effort from the edge of the area sailed just wide of the target with Schwarzer beaten. The hosts continued to threaten after the break, with Kevin Nolan inches away from connecting with a Danny Guthrie free-kick. Ivan Campo wasted the best chance of the game just after the hour. The Spaniard's run to the back post was well picked out by Davies but Campo somehow put his effort off-target. Gavin McCann had a chance midway through the second half but his effort sailed yards wide of the target. The visitors had been very quiet in front of goal, but Jussi Jaaskelainen was called into action twice in quick succession in the 71st minute. First, the Finnish international had to react quickly to a Jeremie Aliadiere shot before making a good save from Stewart Downing's free-kick. Campo had one final chance to win the game for Bolton, but after getting on the end of Andy O'Brien's cross, he could only head into Schwarzer's hands. |
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