Huge Spur for Bolton
Bolton need one more win, says McInally
Last updated: 26th April 2008
McInally: Bolton were lucky
Stelios and El Hadji Diouf were on the bench from the start and you knew right away what Gary Megson was thinking - he was happy to take a point.
Alan McInally
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Tottenham 1-1 Bolton
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Alan McInally saw Bolton snatch a point at Spurs - and says a home win next week will see them safe.
Stelios Giannakopoulos gave the Trotters the lead against the run of play at White Hart Lane, but Steed Malbranque equalised and Bolton held on for a point from a game which was dominated by their opponents.
McInally admitted Gary Megson's side were fortunate, but he was full of praise for Bolton's goalkeeper, Ali Al-Habsi, and says his efforts secured them a vital point in their battle to beat the drop.
McInally told Soccer Saturday: "They'd have bitten your hand off for a point before the game so they'll probably be happy going back up the motorway tonight,
"Dimitar Berbatov could still have won it right at the end, but the goalkeeper Al-Habsi was fantastic all day.
"You've got to give him a huge pat on the back because he kept them in the game and got them the point.
"Spurs had seven or eight good chances and should have been out of sight. Bolton just held on and held on and got to 0-0 at half time.
"Stelios and El Hadji Diouf were on the bench from the start and you knew right away what Gary Megson was thinking - he was happy to take a point.
"Joey O'Brien got injured so he had to put Danny Guthrie on, but at half time he brought Stelios and Diouf on as well. He'd used his three subs and stuck himself right in it and one minute after the break, Stelios bagged the first goal.
"They just defended and defended after that, but they only lead for four minutes because Malbranque got in at the back post.
"Tottenham certainly had the better of the chances and should have won the game, but Bolton hung in and got a point which keeps their head above water."
Big finish
Bolton welcome Sunderland to the Reebok Stadium next weekend with the Black Cats' survival assured after their win over Middlesbrough.
And McInally says Bolton must win that match because they are unlikely to pick up anything form their trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season.
He added: "They can't be going to Chelsea needing something on the last day and that's why next week's game against Sunderland is so important.
"Fulham play Birmingham next week and if that's a draw and Bolton win their home match then they can go to London and enjoy themselves.
"Quite simply they must take three points against Sunderland. It's a great result for Bolton that Sunderland won today because they are safe now.
"That point at Spurs is a present because it sets them up for next week. You've got to win your home games in the Premier League and they have an opportunity to stay in the division."
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