Supersub Gardner flourishes for Bolton

Jamaican international Ricardo Gardner inspired Bolton to a much-needed win here on Sunday as they beat Manchester City 2-0 in their Premier League clash.

Gardner's first Premier League goal for six years 13 minutes from time and then a Richard Dunne own goal two minutes from the final whistle, which was created by Gardner who had come on as a second-half substitute, saw Bolton move off the bottom of the table and leave Newcastle as the tailenders.

Gardner struck in the second-half – Bolton's first goal after almost 400 minutes – after Robinho lost possession and Gretar Steinsson motored down the flank and delivered a perfect ball into the box which the Jamaican joyfully accepted and tucked it past City keeper Joe Hart.

The hosts then wrapped up the points as the unfortunate Dunne turned Gardner's low cross into his own net to give Bolton's embattled manager Gary Megson a rare experience of not being booed by the home fans.

Bolton will feel they deserved the points as they had had what they felt valid appeals for a penalty earlier in the half when Matthew Taylor went down after being challenged by Ireland defender Dunne but their protests were waved aside by Mike Riley.

Neither goalkeeper had been in the action much prior to that though both had when called upon stepped up to the plate with Hart denying Bolton skipper Kevin Nolan when he was clean through on goal.

Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen had also been firm when Stephen Ireland and Ched Evans had had chances in the first-half.