Bolton and Fulham play out goalless draw

Feb 6, 2010 - 7:00 PM By MARK HENDRY STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Bolton and Fulham fought out a goalless draw at the Reebok Stadium but the match ended in controversy after a Kevin Davies goal had been disallowed for the home side.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle was incensed when Davies appeared to notch an 85th minute winner with a typically powerful header from close range. But referee Mark Clattenburg decided that Davies had pushed Fulham defender Brede Hangeland as they competed for a centre.

Coyle said: "I thought it was a very good goal, albeit from my position 50 yards away. Kevin jumped cleanly and his header was perfectly placed.

"But it was bizarrely ruled out and instead of taking three points out of the match, as we deserved to, we have had to be content with one.

"I thought we were well worth a win with the number of chances we created but in the end we have been undone by one refereeing decision.

"I spoke to the referee afterwards and asked him why he had disallowed the goal and he said Kevin had clearly pushed the Fulham player with both hands.

"The lads worked their socks off today, gave me everything and did everything I asked of them and all we have to show for it against a very good Fulham side is one point."

Chances were rare but the best of what few were created were made by Bolton, Fulham's Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer making important first half saves from Matt Taylor and from a Mark Davies free kick.

Swedish international Johan Elmander should have scored even before Davies became embroiled in his disallowed goal fury.

Elmander took a pass from Davies, went around the advancing Schwarzer and then put the ball wide.

Fulham were without main strikers Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, who is unlikely to play again this season, and struggled to cope with Bolton's aerial menace.

Erik Nevland struggled to make an impact up front on his own but Fulham held out for a useful point, coming a few days after beating Portsmouth at Craven Cottage.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said: "Four points in a week is a useful haul in the circumstances and eases a little of the concern that had been building up after a poor run of results.

"Portsmouth played well against us and could consider themselves a little unlucky. Then we had to come to a rampant Bolton side who know how to put you under pressure with lots of balls into the box.

"We coped with everything they had so I have to be delighted with the result. We were a little fortunate because the best chances fell to Bolton.

"Ours was a brave performance and I have to be satisfied. As for the disallowed goal, it was hard to see but the referee was perfectly placed to rule it out."