Premier League: Bolton 1 Norwich City 2

Bolton struggled defensively as Norwich City sealed an important 2-1 away victory with goals from Bradley Johnson and Anthony Pilkington.

The home side struggled to get the ball forward to Ivan Klasnic and Norwich looked effective on the counter-attack.

Keeping within the character of the match, Norwich took the lead through a scrappy goal in the 37th minute. A Daniel Fox corner found Steve Morison at the back post who directed the ball back towards goal and despite plenty of Bolton defenders in attendance, Pilkington finished from close range for his first Premier League goal.

Bolton had little or no composure and were unable to keep possession. Kevin Davies was getting no change from the referee, with seemingly every decision going against him and Norwich did not have to wait long until they doubled their lead.

It was from another set-piece and yet more suspect Bolton defending as Fox’s free-kick was headed in by Johnson at the back post as his run went completely unchecked three minutes before the break.

Bolton’s afternoon did not get any better before half-time when a moment of madness came over Klasnic. The Croatian international appeared to headbutt Morison with the linesman watching and he then informed referee Howard Webb, who sent him off.

At half-time, Owen Coyle made a double substitution with Tuncay and Kevin Davies being replaced by Chris Eagles and David Ngog.

However, Norwich continued to look comfortable despite Martin Petrov’s free-kick going close and they almost added another through more defensive blunders from the home side.

Welsh international Morison, who was being watched by former Bolton player and Wales manager Gary Speed, drove in a low cross from the left and Dedryck Boyata bungled his clearance to Johnson who should have scored.

Bolton were handed a lifeline by the Canaries when Leon Barnett took down Ngog in the area on the 64th minute with a late challenge. This penalty was the fourth the newly promoted side have conceded this season and Petrov slotted it home to get them back in the game.

Straight after the goal, Boyata ran down the right and crossed in a low ball to find Ngog whose effort was deflected wide for a corner.

Despite the Trotters coming back into the game, Morison could have made the points safe 20 minutes from time. Wes Hoolahan, who was having an impressive game, was able to find Morison in the area who expertly turned Knight inside out but his effort went narrowly wide.

Norwich were able to contain the home side towards the final whistle with the only disappointment being an injury to Hoolahan.

Bolton struggled to commit to attack with 10 men and made it a comfortable afternoon for the Canaries who will enjoy their trip home to Norfolk.