Bolton 1-0 Norwich

Holdsworth scored Bolton's winner

Bolton notched their first home league win in seven matches to keep their hopes of automatic promotion from Division One alive.

Striker Dean Holdsworth scored the winner in the 66th minute with a 25-yard free-kick, catching Norwich keeper Robert Green on the hop to give the home side a much-needed victory.

Bolton's win ended a miserable run at the Reebok Stadium, where they had drawn six and lost one of their previous seven matches.

It is a run which has seen their Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers take the initiative in the race for automatic promotion.

Lifeless affair

But the three points move Bolton to within a point of Blackburn.

The nerves of the Bolton players were clearly jangling and for long periods they struggled to break down a stubborn Norwich defence.

The first half was a lifeless affair. Bolton were tentative, particularly when they got anywhere near the Norwich goal.

In fact, Canaries' keeper Green did not have a save to make until the 41st minute.

He will, however, have been grateful to see an Ian Marshall effort from a Ricardo Gardner cross go inches over the bar in the 25th minute.

Bolton's best effort came in the 41st minute when defender Anthony Barness shot from 25 yards out. Green pushed the ball on to his right hand post and was happy to pounce on the loose ball.

Purple patch

The second half was just as scrappy, despite the half-time introduction of Bo Hansen for Marshall.

But Bolton had a real let-off before they eventually went in front. A slip from Barness on the halfway line let Darren Kenton through but he shot just wide.

After Holdsworth's goal Bolton had a purple patch and within seconds the striker headed against the bar from a Gardner cross.

Then Bolton midfielder Per Frandsen had the ball taken off his toe by keeper Green after Bo Hansen's clever through ball.

But the home side failed to take their chances and were relieved when the final whistle went to end their home hoodoo.

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Bolton: Clarke, Barness, Elliott, Bergsson, Hendry, Summerbee, Frandsen, Gardner, Holdsworth, Farrelly, Marshall. Subs: Wright, Whitlow, Hansen, Ricketts, Passi.

Norwich: Green, Drury, Fleming, Mackay, Jackson, Kenton, Mulryne, Russell, Llewellyn, Notman, Roberts. Subs: Marshall, Holt, Nedergaard, McGovern, Abbey.

Referee: P Rejer (Worcester).