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Saturday August 15, 2009 Finished Reebok Stadium

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Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland

  • Bent 4’

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  1. Bent heads Sunderland to victory

    Bent heads Sunderland to victory

    A fifth-minute header from Darren Bent was enough for Sunderland to beat Bolton 1-0 and give Steve Bruce the perfect Premier League start. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Bolton Wanderers
    • Sunderland
    • 90+3' The full-time whistle goes, and Darren Bent's solitary strike in the fifth minute has proved enough for Steve Bruce's Sunderland to clinch a 1-0 victory over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium! Thanks for joining us.
    • 90+2' Gary Megson again has his hands on his head in despair as a low drive from Taylor is superbly saved by Fulop on his line - what a chance late on for the hosts!
    • 90+2' The rain is now torrential as a huge appeal for a penalty goes up from the Bolton players after McCartney looks to have let the ball strike his hand - very contentious!
    • 90+1' A fine tackle from McCartney denies Davis as the midfielder looks to have a long-range shot.
    • 90' Three minutes will be added at the end of this second half as Bolton press forward in desperation.
    • 89' Both managers are now on the touchline waving frantically at their players as the clock ticks down in Sunderland's favour.
    • 88' Jones holds the ball up superbly for Sunderland after Bardsley emerges with possession down the right.
    • 87' Cross after cross comes into the Sunderland box, but Collins and Ferdinand deal with the barrage of deliveries with relative ease.
    • 86' Bent runs through on goal and has a wild shot which sails over the bar - that was a poor finish from the striker.
    • 85' Jaaskelainen hurriedly clears the ball up field to Davies after a Sunderland attack breaks down.
    • 84' The rain is teeming down at the Reebok Stadium as Sunderland look to close in on an opening-day win, but Bolton are back on the attack.
    • 83' Fraizer Campbell is booked for lunging in rashly on Cahill - that was certainly justified.
    • 82' Bruce is out on the touchline suddenly, bawling out his midfielders who let Davis run freely into their half.
    • 81' Chung-yong Lee challenges well for the ball in midfield, and demonstrates good pace in skipping past Cana.
    • 80' Bolton continue to press through Taylor, who is playing with good intent from midfield.
    • 79' Davies and Muamba combine in the Sunderland half, but Cattermole is quickly in to dispossess the midfielder.
    • 78' Fulop races off his line to gather a long ball which evades Davies and Bolton are struggling to find their targets.
    • 77' Elmander is the latest player to go down injured after missing a header and landing very heavily.
    • 76' McCartney lofts a long ball into the Bolton box but Bent and Jones cannot get near it as Collins clears.
    • 75' It is indeed Campbell who replaces the stricken midfielder, and the Sunderland fans give the departing Richardson a standing ovation.
    • 74' Steve Bruce frantically prepares a substitute to take his place, and it looks to be Fraizer Campbell.
    • 73' Richardson is hobbling around very gingerly in the Bolton half after that clash, and the referee leads him away - that could be the end of his game.
    • 72' Richardson and Muamba go down clutching their heads after a clash mid-pitch - both physios charge on to the field.
    • 71' Bardsley and Fulop look furiously at each other as a long ball from Muamba is not dealt with at all well.
    • 70' Sunderland have not provided much service for Bent and Jones in this second half, and it has been a much more obdurate affair so far.
    • 69' McCartney takes three quick throw ins in succession down the left for Sunderland, with the visitors looking for joy outwide.
    • 68' Fulop launches a long goal kick so deep into the Bolton half that his opposite number Jaaskelainen comes out to claim it.
    • 67' Gavin McCann is the man to make way for Chung-yong Lee, who charges on after receiving some stern instructions from Megson.
    • 66' Bolton are preparing to introduce Chung-yong Lee as Megson looks to shake up his midfield.
    • 65' Knight clips a free kick into the Sunderland penalty area at the other end of the field, and McCartney concedes a throw in.
    • 64' Richardson steps up to take this one, but fires it wildly over the bar for a goal kick, and Bent is justified in thinking that he could have done better.
    • 63' Jones is hauled down on the edge of the penalty area by Muamba, and Bent and Richardson are again over it.
    • 62' A long throw in from Ricketts looks for Knight, who comes up from the back, but Collins is on hand to clear.
    • 61' A fine flick on from Elmander almost finds the run of McCann from deep, but again it is Ferdinand who spots the danger early.
    • 60' The ball has spent a lot of time in the air in this second half as Bolton pump the ball up to Davies, while Sunderland look for the head of Jones.
    • 59' Megson continues to look pensive on the touchline as his side look brighter, but without the cutting edge in the box which perhaps Bent and Jones possess.
    • 58' Richardson drifts another corner into the box, but a flailing punch from Jaaskelainen clears the danger.
    • 57' Jordan Henderson has provided a lot of energy and endeavour for Sunderland since coming on in place of Malbranque.
    • 56' Bolton have reached the point where they need to provide a better cutting edge in attack as crosses continue to flood into the Sunderland box.
    • 55' Sunderland win a corner through Richardson which is squandered, and Collins is the man who could have got his head to the ball but for a fine intervention from Knight.
    • 54' Richardson is brought down by McCann, but there was not much in the tackle.
    • 53' Robinson marauds down the left for Bolton once more, and Megson urges the defender to cross in a more direct fashion.
    • 52' Johan Elmander attempts to meet a whipped cross from Paul Robinson, but feels Danny Collins was overly physical in denying his path.
    • 51' Darren Bent comes back into the game with a neat turn, and after that tackle from Cattermole on Ricketts, the Bolton full back returns.
    • 49' A gilt-edge chance falls to Matt Taylor, who charges into the penalty area to meet a loose ball inside the Sunderland box but drags his shot narrowly wide.
    • 48' Sam Ricketts is down receiving treatment after a firm challenge but play continues after a slight delay. He looks okay after getting to his feet gingerly.
    • 47' Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones finds the ball at his feet courtesy of Kieran Richardson in the penalty area, but Cahill intervenes with a good challenge.
    • 46' The second half is underway at the Reebok Stadium, and Gary Megson is anxiously patrolling the touchline. Jordan Henderson comes on in place of Steed Malbranque for Sunderland.
    • 15:55 What do you make of the fledgling partnership of Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent? If Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander can cause half as many problems in the second half, Gary Megson will be a happy man.
    • 45+2' Darren Bent clenches his fist triumphantly as his goal separates the sides at half-time against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. The hosts came back into the game towards the end, with Sunderland having dominated the early exchanges.
    • 45+1' Cattermole and Bardsley combine to clear as a desperate scramble unfolds inside the Sunderland area, with Davies unable to get on the end of Robinson's initial cross.
    • 45' Two minutes will be added at the end of this first half as Bolton end it on a high, finally pushing Sunderland on to the back foot.
    • 44' Davies almost powers his way through to meet a pass from Taylor, but Ferdinand sweeps up the danger very swiftly.
    • 43' Jaaskelainen takes an age over a goal kick as half-time approaches, and Megson will be perfectly happy with that.
    • 42' Cana, who is really putting himself about at both ends of the field, clashes heads with Davies and comes off worse, but seems to be okay.
    • 41' Sunderland find Bent, who is providing an excellent outlet along with Jones, but again Jaaskelainen is quickly out to clear the danger.
    • 40' Four deliveries in quick succession come into the Sunderland box, but Bardsley and Collins clear the ball to safety between them.
    • 39' Two very strong challenges come in as Cana and Ricketts exchange thunderous tackles down the Bolton right.
    • 38' Sunderland keep the ball in their half before Martin Fulop hammers the ball upfield to Lorik Cana.
    • 37' This is the profile page of the Bolton goalkeeper whose side will be very grateful to at half-time, Jussi Jaaskelainen
    • 36' Megson is absolutely furious with his side, despite their improvement in the last 10 minutes, and he barks instructions from the touchline.
    • 35' Cattermole wins a firm tackle in midfield once more to break up another Bolton attack and find Bent.
    • 34' McCartney launches a long throw into the Bolton box and Bent and Jones challenge strongly once more, but this time Cahill clears.
    • 33' Read more about the Sunderland striker whose goal divides the teams: new signing Darren Bent's profile page
    • 32' Sunderland are spraying the ball around well inside their half now as they look to consolidate their lead with Bolton pressing.
    • 31' A good delivery from McCartney finds Cattermole down the Sunderland left, and the midfielder does well to win a corner from it.
    • 30' Taylor fouls Malbranque, who cannot collect the ball in his stride as a result of the crude nudge he receives.
    • 29' McCann and Davis exchange fierce words as the pair show equal determination, and frustration, in addressing their opponents' domination.
    • 28' A flashing header from Jones goes narrowly wide of the far post once more, and the striker is winning absolutely everything in the air.
    • 27' Darren Bent drills an ambitious effort from range which the Bolton keeper parries away to safety as the opportunities continue to come Sunderland's way.
    • 26' Ricketts prepares to deliver a long throw from deep inside the Sunderland half, but Danny Collins clears.
    • 25' Jaaskelainen saves the day again for Bolton, coming off his line swiftly to deny Richardson who charges through on goal but cannot get there quickly enough.
    • 24' Jones gets the better of his marker on this occasion, meeting a cross from George McCartney with his head but directing it narrowly over the bar.
    • 22' Jones and Knight resume their battle with both challenging powerfully for every aerial ball.
    • 21' Muamba fouls Malbranque as the midfielder was forcing his way down the right, and Sunderland remain well on top.
    • 20' Just moments later, Bent steals through on goal once more, but sees his toe poke run wide of Jaaskelainen's far post.
    • 19' Another great chance for Sunderland! Jaaskelainen is quickly off his line to parry away after Jones is put through on goal from Bent's pass - good opportunity, good save.
    • 18' Matt Taylor is over a free kick for Bolton wide on the right, and he drifts it into the box but to no avail.
    • 17' Robinson keeps his composure to control the ball and distribute it down the line to Elmander for Bolton.
    • 16' Sunderland break forward again through Malbranque, and Sean Davis concedes a free kick on the edge of the area - how many are Sunderland going to have?
    • 15' Ricketts and Cahill combine to get the ball clear for Bolton after a good delivery is whipped in by Richardson, who is at the forefront of everything.
    • 14' Richardson's effort is a tame one which hits the wall and ricochets off for a corner.
    • 13' Richardson is over another dangerous free kick for Sunderland and will be looking to hit the target.
    • 12' Jaaskelainen clears the ball up field for Bolton hopefully, but Davies and Elmander have not been able to gain control as yet.
    • 11' Niall Quinn looks very happy indeed up in the directors' box at the Reebok, as his side continue to press forward.
    • 10' Sunderland win a throw in which Phil Bardsley will deliver down the line to Jones, and Bolton are being dominated in the air, which you would not necessarily expect.
    • 9' Bolton have been very slow to settle in this first half, and Gary Megson is very agitated on the touchline.
    • 8' Jostling in the box allows Bent to wriggle free of his marker and head low at Jussi Jaaskelainen, and it could well be 2-0 to Sunderland but for the Bolton keeper - what a start from the visitors!
    • 7' Sunderland continue to press inside the Bolton half and are looking very confident with Jones and Bent a real threat.
    • 5' GOAL!!!! Darren Bent strikes for Sunderland! The striker rises high above his marker - Kevin Davies of all people - and finds the back of the net to put Sunderland in front!
    • 5' Sunderland have made a very bright start to this match, and Bolton are looking to get some early possession.
    • 4' Darren Bent takes the free kick with Richardson also in attendance, and it is deflected over the bar for a corner off the wall.
    • 3' Kieran Richardson takes the ball down well inside the Bolton half and wins a free kick.
    • 2' Kevin Davies powers down the right and wins a quick throw in for his side with Elmander looking for the ball.
    • 1 We are underway at the Reebok and Sunderland kick us off.
    • 14:55 The banter begins: Jockstuffer does not rate Kevin Davies while Ben.Rose1994 believes it is a safe bet for Sunderland - courtesy of Bent and Jones - to win 2-0 against Bolton. What do you think? Post all of your predictions below
    • 14:50 Steve Bruce believes Sunderland must learn a lesson in Barclays Premier League survival from opening-day opponents Bolton. Full Story
    • 14:45 Steve Bruce marks his first competitive game in charge of the Black Cats by naming new signings Darren Bent, Lorik Cana and Lee Cattermole in his side.
    • 14:40 So Gary Megson hands debuts to four of his new signings. Sam Ricketts, Paul Robinson, Zat Knight and Sean Davis all made the starting line-up following their arrivals from Hull, West Brom, Aston Villa and Portsmouth respectively.
    • 14:35 Subs: Gordon, Nosworthy, Edwards, Campbell, Henderson, Leadbitter, Healy
    • 14:30 Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Collins, Ferdinand, McCartney, Cana, Malbranque, Cattermole, Richardson, Bent, Jones
    • 14:25 Subs: Al Habsi, Samuel, Mark Davies, Cohen, Lee, Andrew O'Brien, Ward
    • 14:20 Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, McCann, Davis, Muamba, Taylor, Elmander, Kevin Davies

  • Summary

    • 90+2' Gary Megson again has his hands on his head in despair as a low drive from Taylor is superbly saved by Fulop on his line - what a chance late on for the hosts!
    • 90+2' The rain is now torrential as a huge appeal for a penalty goes up from the Bolton players after McCartney looks to have let the ball strike his hand - very contentious!
    • 49' A gilt-edge chance falls to Matt Taylor, who charges into the penalty area to meet a loose ball inside the Sunderland box but drags his shot narrowly wide.
    • 24' Jones gets the better of his marker on this occasion, meeting a cross from George McCartney with his head but directing it narrowly over the bar.
    • 20' Just moments later, Bent steals through on goal once more, but sees his toe poke run wide of Jaaskelainen's far post.
    • 19' Another great chance for Sunderland! Jaaskelainen is quickly off his line to parry away after Jones is put through on goal from Bent's pass - good opportunity, good save.
    • 5' GOAL!!!! Darren Bent strikes for Sunderland! The striker rises high above his marker - Kevin Davies of all people - and finds the back of the net to put Sunderland in front!

Live Team Line-Up

  • Bolton Wanderers

    Manager: Gary Megson

    Captain: Kevin Davies

    Starting line-up

    • J. Jääskeläinen
    • S. Ricketts
    • G. Cahill
    • Z. Knight
    • P. Robinson
    • S. Davis Yellow Card
    • F. Muamba Yellow Card
    • G. McCann Substitution Out (67′)
    • M. Taylor
    • J. Elmander Substitution Out (82′)
    • K. Davies

    Subs

    • A. O'Brien
    • J. Samuel
    • T. Cohen
    • A. Al Habsi
    • C. Lee Substitution In67′
    • M. Davies
    • D. Ward Substitution In82′

    Injured

    None

    Suspended

    None

  • Sunderland

    Manager: Steve Bruce

    Captain: Lorik Cana

    Starting line-up

    • M. Fülöp
    • P. Bardsley
    • D. Collins
    • A. Ferdinand
    • G. McCartney
    • S. Malbranque Substitution Out (45′)
    • L. Cattermole
    • L. Cana
    • K. Richardson Substitution Out (76′)
    • D. Bent Goal
    • K. Jones

    Subs

    • N. Nosworthy
    • D. Healy
    • C. Edwards
    • C. Gordon
    • G. Leadbitter
    • F. Campbell Substitution In76′ Yellow Card
    • J. Henderson Substitution In45′

    Injured

    None

    Suspended

    None

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  1. Good game

    From Sean A, on Sun 11 Oct 4:43PM
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