Bottom side Bolton take all three points against high-flyers Fleetwood

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2019 by PA

Strikers Chris O’Grady and Daryl Murphy scored first-half goals as bottom side Bolton beat Sky Bet League One high-flyers Fleetwood 2-1 at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Wanderers’ third successive win was their first home league success since a 2-1 Championship win over Millwall on March 9.

Joey Barton’s visitors might have taken a first minute lead but Wes Burns steered wide from close range after a Ched Evans cross.

Bolton, who began the afternoon with only five league goals to their credit, made it six after O’Grady punished sloppy defending with a fortuitous right foot shot after 28 minutes.

Wanderers’ second goal four minutes later was far more pleasing on the eye.

Murphy collected Joe Doodoo’s through ball and rounded keeper Alex Cairns before gliding home a right foot effort from a tight angle.

Town top scorer Paddy Madden headed over just before the break and was one of three players substituted on the hour as Barton went for broke.

Bolton replacement Dennis Politic put one match clincher wide and Cairns saved from O’Grady.

Sub Josh Morris gave Fleetwood late hope with a 20-yard left-foot drive after 86 minutes but Bolton held on though they remain 15 points from safety.