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Match Report

Juan Pablo Angel came in for fresh criticism for another poor performance as Aston Villa failed to enhance their European prospects.

Angel's lack of goalscoring form has been a major factor in Villa's lack of success. The Colombian international striker has scored only three goals since November and this almost barren spell has reflected badly on Villa's prospects.

There were few bright moments in Villa's latest home draw although their young Irishman, Steve Davis, continues to grow in stature and made a big contribution to Villa's performance in the absence of Lee Hendrie.

Bolton kept on course to achieving a Champions League spot despite an own goal by the veteran Spanish international defender, Fernando Hierro, in the first half.

Hierro, who has played in four World Cups, had little chance of avoiding goal which was fortunately later cancelled out by veteran Garry Speed's first-ever goal for Bolton on his 449th Premiership appearance.

Villa, meanwhile, continued to make hard work of their attempt to get into Europe next season. They have only won three of their eight home games this year and again lacked a killer punch despite being thwarted on countless occasions by the outstanding Jussi Jaaskelainen.

David O'Leary, Villa's manager, claimed afterwards that referee Uriah Rennie would be embarrassed viewing the video of the game as he failed to spot a penalty for a foul by Ricardo Gardner on Ulises De la Cruz.

O'Leary added: "I would say Sam Allardyce is jumping for joy with taking a point.

"We should have taken three but I cannot fault my lads as they played well. But we should have won our last three home games. Instead of taking nine points we picked up three.

"I thought Martin Laursen did exceptionally well. To go out and not be fully match fit and play as he did was outstanding.

"We are, however, still in the mix for seventh place and it great credit we are still in the top half. There were several good chances but I think we made their goalkeeper look good."

Bolton boss Allardyce admitted: "It was a point won rather two lost. Jaaskelainen made some really good saves and probably earned us the point.

"It was great to see him in top form and he is now among the best in the Premiership. Aston Villa did not take advantage of their chances and we punished them and earned a point.

"We tried to win because it would have put more pressure on Everton and Liverpool.

"I am satisfied with a point and the result was fair after my lads had gone through three games in the space of seven days. We are now one point better off than last season and that must be good with another three games to be played.

"No-one expected us to do so well this season, but we are doing better and hope to keep pushing for the UEFA spot.

"Hierro was a little leggy and when he does not have the energy to make an impact he suffered.

"What pleased me was Speed's goal which has taken him a long time to get his first goal. He converted an important goal for us and I hope he gets a few more!"

There was early evidence of Bolton's up and at them policy in the early stages when they promised to overwhelm the opposition - until Hierro's 26th own goal.

The cosmopolitan Bolton squad certainly dominated Villa in the first half with Stelios Giannakopoulus proving a handful for JLloyd Samuel.

Villa, in contrast, failed to find their rhythm to such an extent that Bolton's defence were under no real pressure from either the struggling Angel or the equally out for form Darius Vassell.

Ominously Villa's defence survived a couple of lucky let-offs when Giannakopoulos and El-Hadji Diouf failed with close-range headers from right-wing crosses.

The response from a Villa side, urged on by stand-in skipper Gareth Barry, was a flying header from Angel from a right-wing centre from De la Cruz which Jaaskelainen pushed around the post.

It was from Nobby Solano's left-wing corner that the unfortunate Hierro put through his own goal with a powerful downward header which gave Jaaskelainen no chance of saving.

Seven minutes later Villa should have increased their advantage when Vassell gained possession and left Tal Ben Haim lying in his wake. Racing fully 40 yards Vassell found himself with only Jaaskelainen to beat but weakly shot straight at the advancing keeper.

The tempo of the game changed quite dramatically following Villa's goal with Bolton losing a little of their authority as the Birmingham club gained in confidence.

Barry emerged as a key player with one of his better performances of late. He appeared much happier in a midfield role, while the return of Laursen to Villa's defence also had an important bearing on an improved performance compared to the disappointment of a goalless home draw against Charlton last Wednesday.

This was reflected just before and immediately after half-time when Jaaskelainen earned the plaudits for two smart saves from Samuel and Davis.

They were crucial moments in the game as Bolton put themselves back on level terms in the 54th minute when 35 year-old Speed, a £750,000 close-season buy from Newcastle, notched a vital equaliser with a close-range header from Diouf's cross.

It was noticeable that Bolton, who took off Hierro and Nicky Hunt and sent on Ivan Campo and Radhi Jaidi, increased their tempo as Villa were often caught on the wrong foot.

Kevin Davies had previously been very subdued against the improving Laursen but he began to make an impact in the second period feeding off Diouf.

But it was Jaaskelainen who continued to earn the praise with several more fine saves as he demonstrated when he pushed out a header from Angel and saved at the feet of Davis following a brave run by the Villa youngster.

In a positive finish Bolton twice went close to notching the winning goal with Kevin Nolan and Diouf firing off-target to the relief of a frustrated Villa side.

Man of the Match: Jussi Jaaskelainen - Made a string of fine saves to deny Villa and to keep Bolton in the hunt for the Champions League next season.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides