Bolton 2-0 Barnsley

Ricardo Gardner scored a super goal for Bolton

Bolton Wanderers got their promotion push back on trail and consigned Barnsley to their third defeat in a week.

A frenetic opening period was brought to life after 13 minutes, when clever work by Gareth Farrelly resulted in a sharp low cross being turned home by Michael Ricketts from six yards.

From the moment the goal was scored, Bolton took complete control of the match and there was never any doubt about where the points were going.

Wanders increased their lead after 27 minutes, and it came from absolutely nothing through Jamaican international Ricardo Gardner.

Whistled over

Gardener found himself free in central midfield, and realising goalkeeper Kevin Miller was off his line, he unleashed a 30-yard rocket that whistled over Miller and into the net.

Farrelly again linked up with Ricketts after 38 minutes, but the tall striker headed over from close range.

Shortly after that, the Tykes had their only clear chance of the first period when good work by Stuart Ripley saw him beat Robbie Elliott and cross, but Neil Maddison headed into the goalkeeper's arms.

In the second half Bolton conjured up a succession of chances but failed to convert any of them.

They put the visitors under constant pressure but disappointing finishing let them down, and gave the Tykes a glimmer of hope.

Bo Hansen jinked into the box after 55 minutes to shoot narrowly wide, and Per Frandsen and Ricketts again were guilty of near misses.

Bolton replaced Ricketts with experienced striker Dean Holdsworth, who returned to action after missing six games through injury.

Within minutes Holdsworth was guilty of firing wide too, with a good opportunity to score a third for Bolton.

Barnsley were confined to just one chance in the second period as well, when substitute Mateo Corbo raced into the box under pressure, and shot wide of the post.

Bolton were in control throughout the match and should have won by more, but will be pleased with the eventual outcome.

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Bolton: Jaaskelainen, O'Kane, Warhurst, Bergsson, Elliott, Frandsen, Hansen, Farrelly, Gardner, Nolan, Ricketts. Subs: Banks, Holdsworth, Barness, Passi, Morini.

Barnsley: Miller, O'Callaghan, Barker, Morgan, Chettle, Ripley, Ward, Neil, Maddison, Sheron, Dyer. Subs: Walker, Dudgeon, Jones, Corbo, Thomas.

Referee: P Alcock (Halstead).