Trotters' Taylor spot on for point

12 April 2012

Midfielder Matt Taylor struck a last-minute penalty as Bolton salvaged a 1-1 draw with Stoke.

Taylor showed a cool head after Danny Collins had been penalised for a challenge on Sam Ricketts.

Stoke had taken the lead through Dave Kitson in the 52nd minute after he showed good skill to get away from Ricketts.

Stoke were the brighter of the two teams in a dull first half and made a break inside the first minute when Ricardo Fuller got clear down the right flank. He delivered the ball into the area only for Fabrice Muamba to get there ahead of Matthew Etherington and make the clearance.

Stoke then found themselves on the back foot in the 15th minute when goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen launched the ball forward. Kevin Davies won the aerial battle with former team-mate Abdoulaye Faye, leaving him dazed on the floor.

Stoke, however, almost took the lead after 32 minutes when Tamir Cohen was punished for a challenge on Fuller. Glenn Whelan tried to curl the free-kick from 25 yards beyond Jaaskelainen only for the goalkeeper to react swiftly and push his effort to safety.

Stoke kept up the pressure and a long throw from Rory Delap caused Jaaskelainen problems. He could only parry the ball to Kitson but the striker could not get a decent enough touch and the chance was lost.

Bolton responded and Taylor came close in the 51st minute when he clipped a shot wide of the post after substitute Ricardo Gardner had carved out the opening. A minute later Stoke made the breakthrough with a fine goal from Kitson. He latched on to a ball from Fuller and showed good skill to get away from Sam Ricketts before steadying himself and rattling a shot into the corner.

Bolton kept pressing forward in search of the equaliser and substitute Ivan Klasnic saw his close-range effort turned over by Thomas Sorensen in the 68th minute. Then Zat Knight cleared the bar with a volley when it seemed easier to score.

A minute from time Bolton grabbed the equaliser through Taylor but Jaaskelainen had to made a brave block from substitute Liam Lawrence in stoppage time to prevent him snatching the winner.

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