Portsmouth mounted an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 2-2 draw with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.
Dindane double inspires fantastic comeback
Relegated Portsmouth came back from two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.
The hosts took the lead in the 26th minute as Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic nodded in a Jack Wilshere cross from close range.
Moments later the advantage was doubled as Vladimir Weiss' skilful run ended with a neat lay-off and Kevin Davies was left with a simple tap-in.
Bolton looked to be cruising towards a routine three points, but Portsmouth pulled a goal back on the counter-attack as Aruna Dindane scuffed Frederic Piquionne's cut-back into the net.
The visitors then grabbed an equaliser as good work in the box from John Utaka left Dindane with another simple finish.
Despite surrendering a two-goal lead, Bolton are now effectively safe as Burnley need to win their three remaining games and vastly improve their goal difference to stand a chance of overtaking them.
Bolton almost took the lead in the fifth minute when Matt Taylor whipped in an awkward free-kick from 25 yards.
Saves
It was spilled by England goalkeeper David James and broke to Gary Cahill, just yards out. However the defender only succeeded in sending his effort against the post and out of play.
Bolton maintained the momentum and Taylor's header was brilliantly parried by James following a clever chip from Davies.
James was often called into action in the early stages and did well to block a shot from Klasnic in the ninth minute with Weiss supplying the delivery.
Three minutes later Portsmouth launched a counter attack and Jussi Jaaskelainen made a smart reflex save from Utaka, who looked Pompey's best option going forward and saw another effort scrambled to safety.
Bolton then suddenly burst into life with two goals in as many minutes.
Firstly, Klasnic marked his return to the side by opening the scoring with his seventh goal of the season in the 26th minute.
The Croatian flicked a header beyond James after Wilshere, on loan from Arsenal, delivered the pinpoint cross.
Then things got worse for Portsmouth shortly afterwards with Davies rolling the ball home after a turn of pace and some clever footwork from the exciting Weiss on the right.
Portsmouth came close to pulling a goal back a minute after the half-time break but Dindane fired over the bar from a good position.
Chance
Back came Bolton and Klasnic released Fabrice Muamba down the left in the 51st minute.
Muamba played the ball into the centre and Taylor looked certain to hit the back of the net, only for Aaron Mokoena to make a vital intervention.
Portsmouth broke out of their slumber in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit and give themselves a lifeline.
Half-time substitute Piquionne raced away with no-one tracking his run and Dindane bundled the ball home after his cut-back.
Four minutes later Piquionne's header was pushed away by Jaaskelainen following a cross from Anthony Vanden Borre.
Bolton hit back with Klasnic coming close following good work from Wilshere, then Davies' header was cleared off the line by Tommy Smith.
But the visitors hit back and drew level when Utaka set up the opening and Dindane scored his second goal of the game from close range.
The home fans grew frustrated but as their team struggled to respond to the comeback from Portsmouth.
But Bolton almost grabbed a winner in stoppage-time as Davies saw his header come back off the post.
| Bolton Wanderers |
Team Statistics |
Portsmouth |
| 2 |
Goals |
2 |
| 2 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 9 |
Shots on Target |
5 |
| 6 |
Shots off Target |
8 |
| 1 |
Blocked Shots |
3 |
| 12 |
Corners |
5 |
| 17 |
Fouls |
14 |
| 1 |
Offsides |
1 |
| 1 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 72.5 |
Passing Success |
72.6 |
| 25 |
Tackles |
18 |
| 72 |
Tackles Success |
83.3 |
| 53.4 |
Possession |
46.6 |
| 55.1 |
Territorial Advantage |
44.9 |
|
