Date:09/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/11/09/stories/2005110908732000.htm

Sport - Football

Nolan nets Bolton's winner

BOLTON (England): Kevin Nolan's goal in the 32nd minute gave Bolton a 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Monday, lifting the Wanderers into third place in the English Premier League behind Chelsea and Wigan.

Nolan scored his goal with England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson watching at the Reebok Stadium.

The Bolton captain scored on a blistering shot from 20 metres. A few minutes later, Jermain Defoe seemed to have equalised for Tottenham, but the goal became void because of offside. A television replay, however, appeared to show otherwise.

Nolan, considered by many as a future England international, almost scored a second goal late in the first half when his shot hit the post.

Bolton relied on its defence to hold off Tottenham in the second half. The Wanderers have allowed 11 goals in 12 league games. The victory was Bolton's third straight in the Premier League, following victories over West Brom and Charlton.

Chelsea leads the Premier League with 31 points followed by Wigan (25) and Bolton (23). Man United is next with 21, one more than Tottenham and Manchester City. — AP