Boro's weak defence despatched ruthlessly by Bolton

04 April 2009 18:28
They recovered from an early deficit to equalise and threaten to take command, only for the defence to collapse again and concede the initiative to Bolton's unsophisticated yet more ruthless marauders. [LNB]They created and squandered a succession of chances but two late goals confirmed the destination of the points and virtually secured Bolton's Premier League status. [LNB] Related ArticlesPremier League tableLatest standings and statisticsFixtures and resultsTony Mowbray promises to stick to the pretty stuff at West BromAlan Shearer given a reality check as below-par Chelsea sink NewcastleRound-up: Liverpool leave it late at Fulham as Alan Shearers Newcastle lose to Chelsea "Going down with the Shearer" taunted the home supporters and their disillusioned travelling counterparts would doubtless agree. One win in 19 matches, nine consecutive away defeats and five points adrift are statistics that indicate an inevitable course to relegation. [LNB]Boro have struggled all season to score goals and yesterday they were hopelessly fragile at the back, too. Bolton, inspired by resourceful Matt Taylor, ultimately humiliated them. [LNB]Southgate, the plight of his team etched in his countenance, said: "We defended poorly and didn't deserve anything in the end. We have to beat Hull next week. I am the manager and have to take responsibility. [LNB] "There was a lack of belief towards the end, you could see it in our body language. But we have to go home and restore some pride. Our support was phenomenal and we've let them down." [LNB]Bolton required barely eight minutes to exploit Boro's vulnerability. Emanuel Pogatetz failed to deal with Ricardo Gardner's cross and Kevin Davies claimed his 12th goal of the season. [LNB]Tuncay was denied an equaliser by a linesman's offside flag but Boro's persistence was rewarded. Afonso Alves provided the header, Tunchay the cute through-ball, Gary O'Neil the finish. [LNB]Against the run of play, Bolton restored their lead. Gary Cahill won the ball from Taylor's free kick and converted a return pass from Johan Elmander. [LNB]Bolton should have eased their nerves but Elmander blazed over and prolonged the anxiety. Tunchay, twice, and Alves spurned opportunities before Taylor's free kick freakishly secured the points. [LNB]The midfield player still had time to rub salt in Boro's sounds, setting up the fourth for Gardner with a splendid cross-field pass. [LNB] 

Source: Telegraph