Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen’s first goal since since rejoin Bolton allowed the Trotters to gain a crucial point from this one.
Bolton who endured a very difficult start to the season which saw them in the bottom three, have been a different proposition for opposing teams under Neil Lennon as Bolton gradually move up the table. At the start of the season the Lancashire looked like they ‘lacked fight’ but that’s all changed since the arrival of Neil Lennon who has only suffered a single defeat in 10 games as Bolton manager.
The former Celtic boss started with veteran duo Emile Heskey and Eidur upfront for this game, Andy Lonnergen started in goal in place of usual number one Adam Bogdan.
Visitors Leeds who have endured all sorts of turmoil this year off the pitch and on the pitch with three managers this season, find themselves flirting with relegation.
Former Bradford player and current Leeds boss Neil Redfearn decided to drop Mirko Antenucci and Tomasso Bianchi to the bench in aim to freshen things up. Sean Morrison made his third league start for Leeds since joining from Millwall.
It was the visitors Leeds who drew first blood in this one. Leeds’ Sam Byram managed to draw a foul from home keeper Andy Lonnergen in the penalty area, which gave the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Leeds skipper Rodolph Austin stepped up and scored to give the Yorkshire side the lead.
The home side were lucky not to be 2-0 down, Steve Morrison who impressed as a lone striker, drew a fine save from home keeper Andy Lonnergen. That chance seemed to wake up the home side – and Bolton were starting to get into the game – and it was Leeds this time who were indebted to their goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri doing well to keep out Luke Murphy’s effort.
Bolton did eventually equalise through a penalty of their own, Luke Murphy fouled Darren Pratley in the box, again leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot for the second time in the game. Upstepped Gudjohnsen who confidently placed his penalty into the top left corner of Silvestri’s goal.
In an evenly fought contest Eidur Gudjohnsen did have a chance to grab his and Bolton’s second – but the former Icelandic International saw his fantastically blocked by Leeds defender Liam Cooper. So a point it finished then, which isn’t the best result for either side – but Bolton would be the slightly happier.
As for Leeds they are only two points above the drop zone. Neil Redfearn will need to turn things around quickly otherwise he could be out of a job soon.
The Bearded Captain 