Premier League: Bolton 2 Everton 0

Loan star Daniel Sturridge scored his third goal in three games to clinch a deserved 2-0 win for Bolton over Everton.

Man of the match Gary Cahill, fresh from winning his second England cap in midweek, had given Bolton an early lead with a deflected header.

Chelsea man Sturridge wrapped up the victory at the Reebok with a second half strike that will have the London club purring at the prospect of his return.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle persuaded the striker to make the move following the successful loan of Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere at the Wanderers last season.

And he is reaping the reward with Sunday’s win moving Bolton up to eighth while Everton are languishing just three points above the relegation zone.

Bolton started with an attacking line-up and their ambition paid off inside 10 minutes when Cahill’s header from Stuart Holden’s free-kick flicked off Johnny Heitinga’s arm and beyond Tim Howard, who was diving the wrong way.

Everton were almost level five minutes later but Tim Cahill, making his first start since New Year’s day, glanced a golden opportunity just wide from six yards.

After a promising start, the first half petered out – the momentum broken up by an injury to Zat Knight, who was carried off on a stretcher.

David Moyes’ men pushed forward after the restart but could not break down a Bolton defence expertly marshalled by Cahill and January signing David Wheater.

And Cahill then caused problems at the other end from another Holden free-kick as the ball dropped for Sturridge to lash home from 10 yards.

Jose Baxter finally brought a save from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 82nd minute while at the other end Johan Elmander and Sturridge flashed long range efforts just wide.