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Bolton grind out soggy win

03/11/2005

Bolton worked hard to secure a vital home win on a sodden pitch at the Reebok with Kevin Nolan's first-half strike proving enough for the English club.

Bolton move to the top of their Uefa Cup group and look certain to progress to the last 32 with four points from two games.

The Trotters defended in atrocious conditions and were fortunate to hold on for the 1-0 win.

Zenit Petersburg had plenty of chances and keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was forced into making a vital late save. The ball hit his shoulder after an Andrei Arshavin shot.

Home crowd favourite Nolan scored from a scramble in the penalty area after a Bruno N'Gotty free kick in the 22nd minute.

Kevin Davies inexplicably headed wide after a Kevin Nolan cross, it was the best chance of the night to secure a two-goal cushion.

The Reebok surface was lashed by torrential rain throughout the game and it looked as though the referee might be forced to abandon the match.

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