Lee´s late strike lifts the pressure on Bolton boss Megson

South Korea midfielder Lee Chung-Yong eased the pressure on under-fire Bolton manager Gary Megson as his late goal secured a 2-1 win at Birmingham on Saturday.

Lee came on as a second-half substitute for his fifth Bolton appearance since his move from FC Seoul in August and made a dramatic impact.

Tamir Cohen’s first-half strike had given Bolton the lead but Birmingham looked to have rescued a draw through Kevin Phillips’ 84th minute goal.

However, Lee, 21, had the last word as his first Premier League strike stole the points and gave Megson just his second league win of the season.

The beleaguered Wanderers manager saw his team get off to the perfect start with the type of goal which established Bolton reputation as a Premier League nuisance.

Full-back Sam Ricketts launched a throw into the danger area which veteran striker Kevin Davies flicked into the path of Israel midfielder Cohen, who headed past Joe Hart to register his third goal in four league games.

City nearly found a way back into the match after French winger Gregory Vignal whipped in a dangerous cross but the on-rushing midfielder Teemu Tainio lashed a fierce effort inches wide of the post.

The visitors received a huge let-off five minutes before half-time when City’s clever free-kick caught the defence cold, leaving Irish midfielder Keith Fahey in space.

The former Arsenal trainee took a touch before unleashing a fierce shot but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar and away to safety.

Referee Steve Bennett infuriated the home fans moments before the break when he waved away appeals for a penalty after Lee Bowyer went down under pressure in the area.

Wanderers were finally breached six minutes from time when former England forward Phillips played a slick one-two with Christian Benitez before planting an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner.

Home cheers were soon silenced though as Lee kept his cool to claim all three points for the visitors.

Matt Taylor whipped in a free-kick which bounced off a post and fell at the feet of the South Korean.

Birmingham defenders desperately launched themselves towards the ball, but the midfielder dummied back inside before walking the ball into the net.