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Bolton have given themselves a lifeline in the battle against relegation after a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the Reebok. After having two efforts cleared off the line in the first half, Kevin Davies scored the only goal of the game just after the break to keep Wanderers in the hunt. Prior to the game, a small number of fans gathered outside the ground to express their dissatisfaction with manager Gary Megson and chairman Phil Gartside, with former manager Sam Allardyce's name being chanted. But once the supporters found their way through the turnstiles, Megson gave them cause for optimism with a performance well worthy of the victory. Wanderers began the game on an attacking note and won a corner as early as the second minute, but it came as a huge blow to the Hammers as defender Anton Ferdinand injured his hamstring in clearing the ball. Ferdinand was unable to continue and was replaced by John Pantsil just two minutes later. Bolton's bright start continued and they almost took the lead inside six minutes, but Davies' header was cleared off the line by Jonathan Spector. Jlloyd Samuel was next to try his luck for the hosts. He linked up well with Matt Taylor down the left but his shot was comfortable for Robert Green. Davies was then left to curse his luck as he had another effort cleared off the line with 30 minutes on the clock. After winning a corner, Davies rose highest to meet El-Hadji Diouf's delivery but his header was cleared behind for another corner by George McCartney. Dean Ashton had the visitors first chance of the game with 38 minutes on the clock, but his effort was weak and Ali Al-Habsi made a routine stop. Wanderers thought they had taken the lead just moments later, but after putting the ball in the net from four yards, Diouf was ruled to be offside. Bolton were cheered off at the break and the players returned the compliments just a minute after the break as they took a deserved lead. After forcing Green into conceding a corner, the impressive Davies found himself unmarked at the near post and he duely put the ball over the line after the ball fell kindly to him just three yards out. It was the 100th goal of his career and it sparked a huge sigh of relief from both players and supporters. The Hammers had a great chance to equalise just before the hour, but Bolton had Gary Cahill to thank. After being a spectator for the majority of the game so far, Al-Habsi flapped at Bobby Zamora's cross, allowing Luis Boa Morte to turn the ball goalwards only for Cahill to clear. But the Oman international goalkeeper made amends for his error from the next attack, making a fine save to prevent Ashton's overhead kick from going into the net. He was also alert to deny Scott Parker moments later, turning his shot round for a corner when the ball seemed to be sneaking into the bottom corner. Captain Kevin Nolan thought he had made the points safe midway through the second half, but his close range effort was ruled out for offside. After causing mayhem throughout the game and even suffering from a dislocated finger, Davies was harshly booked with just over ten minutes remaining, his tenth of the season, meaning he will now serve a two game suspension. Three minutes of stoppage time were added at the end of normal time and as referee Peter Walton blew for time, you could see just how much the three points meant to everybody inside the ground. Wanderers have now cut the gap between themselves and Birmingham to two points and travel to Middlesbrough next weekend. |
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