So many times this season have Bolton come away from a match with more than they deserved, but they honestly deserved more than they got from this one. A combination of an outstanding performance from David James, an unbelievable miss from Matt Taylor and a seemingly offside goal managed to win it for Portsmouth.
Diouf returned to the starting line up as Gary Cahill made his home debut and Matt Taylor faced his old club, as did Andy O’Brien.
Kevin Davies had a good chance early on when he managed to turn inside a crowded penalty area but hit his shot straight at David James. The next chance was the biggest of the game, and mirrored Kevin Nolan’s miss against Derby. This time it was Matt Taylor who failed to find the back of the net from just a couple of yards out. Nolan also sent a shot just wide of the post as Bolton tore Portsmouth apart, but failed to find any reward.
After a first half without any shots at Jaaskelainen’s goal, Kanu was brought on to replace Milan Baros at half time. But it was Bolton who still looked the better team, and again Matt Taylor missed a good opportunity made by Steinsson, who looked impressive when he came down the right wing. Rasiak was brought on to make his debut, and he also impressed, forcing James into a save with a volley.
And when Bolton finally did beat James, Hreidarsson was there on the line to deny Wanderers. Defoe had his first chance at the other end but Jaaskelainen was even to it. And Wanderers had Nolan to thank minutes later when he came out of nowhere to produce an incredible block after Diarra’s shot was parried into the path of a Portsmouth player by Jussi. But neither Nolan nor Jussi could help soon after when the ball somehow landed at Diarra’s feet and he couldn’t miss. The goal may have been offside, but like Helguson’s goal last weekend, it was hard to tell who the ball came off and the officials were probably right to give the advantage to Portsmouth.
Spances
But Bolton still had chances, and David James produced his best save of the game to deny Tamir Cohen in injury time. Bolton were unlucky, but Portsmouth have their goalkeeper to thank for this undeserved victory.
Their winning goal was offside by a yard or two.
It was our best performance in terms of possession and the chances we created. We defended well and their goal was fortunate.
David James has put in the best performance I have seen from a keeper, if it was not for him we would have scored.
We have battered Portsmouth and if it was a boxing match it would have been stopped after 45 minutes.
- Gary Megson
