BOLTON 2-3 CARDIFF CITY

The Bluebirds took the lead on 13 minutes, loanee Tony Watt netting his first ever goal for the Club with a well-taken finish. The Scottish forward cutting in from the left side, before firing a low shot past Ben Amos, the ball bouncing into the net off the post.

Wanderers came into this match determined, with a renewed home support cheering them on, and leveled inside four minutes. Gary Madine curling in a superb effort from 25-yards out, leaving David Marshall with no chance in the City goal.

The hosts had a great opportunity of entering half-time in the lead, with former Swansea City man Darren Pratley seeing his shot cannon out off the crossbar – a fine late Matt Connolly touch making the difference ten yards out with the ball bouncing off the City man and onto the woodwork. Marshall with a wonderful save from Feeney’s shot at close range from the rebound.

Bolton came into this match looking for their first win in 12 games, and at times looked like a reinvigorated team despite their off-field woes. Russell Slade’s Bluebirds though were playing some delightful football when given space, and retook the lead on 53 minutes. Kenwyne Jones assisting Scott Malone, with the full-back breaking in. Amos denied the former Millwall man’s first attempt, but a combination of Malone and Dean Moxey ensured the ball entered the back of the net. It was a slightly fortuitous finish, but just reward for Malone’s hard work.

Neil Lennon’s team equalised for a second time with 19 minutes remaining. Centre-back Dorian Dervite with a composed finish after being found inside the area – his first goal for Bolton pegging back the Bluebirds. The Trotters could even have took the lead with 13 minutes to go, Stephen Dobbie missing the entire goal from just five-yards out.

Slade’s men punished this sloppy miss with just ten minutes remaining. Jones’ flicked pass volleyed into the back of the net by the returning Anthony Pilkington, after more impressive teamwork from Watt, Fabio and the Trinidad & Tobago captain.

A late second booking for José Manuel Casado meant Bolton were forced to play the majority of the five minutes of added time with ten men. City comfortably holding out to secure all three points from a highly entertaining match.

Bolton Wanderers: Amos, Vela, Dervite, Wheater, Casado, Moxey (Dobbie, 69), Danns, Pratley, Feeney (Twardzik, 90), Madine, Ameobi (Heskey, 69). Subs Not Used: Rachubka, Prince, Spearing, Holding.

Cardiff City: Marshall, Peltier (Fabio, 23), Malone, Morrison, Connolly, Pilkington (Ameobi, 85), Ralls, Gunnarsson, Noone, Watt (Dikgacoi, 88), Jones. Subs Not Used: Moore, Manga, Whittingham, Mason.