Solid as a rock

With both sides desperate for points as we reach the second quarter of the season, it was never going to be a classic and that was shown by two teams who tended to swing towards a long ball style of play.
There was little excitement in the first half for either the 23,000 crowd or viewers watching the game via satellite television as few shots on goal were recorded. Youri Djorkaeff did go close with a volley that just went wide while Kevin Phillips had a couple of half chances for the visitors. Neither side particularly deserved a half time lead but Sunderland went in with just that after Michael Gray scored a superb strike from thirty yards out which deceived Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Bolton came out for the second half much more full of purpose but despite this there was still a lack of penetration of the Black Cats' defence as was the case in the first half. Bolton had a lot of possession in the final third but little shots actually went in on goal although it seemed that Bolton would eventually equalise as it always seems likely with a side who have only failed to score in one Premiership game this season.
Bolton got their equalised not long from the end when the umpteenth long throw in for Bolton was flicked on by Mike Whitlow and Sunderland defender Phil Babb headed it into his own goal when trying to clear the ball away from goal.
It was deserved as neither side deserved to take all three points due to both sides lack of attacking nous.
Much improvement is needed from a Bolton side who looked lethargic and slow and face two vital games in the coming weeks against Premiership newcomers, and potential relegation rivals, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.

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