TEDDY Sheringham’s last-minute penalty caused a few jitters, but Wanderers proved altogether more clinical than the Hammers at Upton Park to go third in the Premiership behind Chelsea and Manchester City.
They had beaten Newcastle United in midweek and a second victory was a major boost for Sam Allardyce’s Whites, who were about to embark on their first UEFA Cup adventure.
The defence, strengthened by the return of Bruno N’Gotty after a three-match ban, had to work overtime in the first half as West Ham played some good stuff, but Wanderers got the upper hand when Kevin Nolan broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. And they seemed to have the points in the bag when Ivan Campo, a second half substitute for El-Hadji Diouf, caught the Hammers defence flat-footed to beat Roy Carroll with consumate ease before turning to take the salute of his team-mates and fans.
The Bolton line-up that day was: Jaaskelainen; Hunt, Ben Haim, N’Gotty, Pedersen, Stelios, Nolan, Speed, Okocha (sub Borgetti), Diouf (sub Campo); Davies (sub Faye).
Wanderers did the double over West Ham that season, thrashing them 4-1 in the return at the Reebok the following March.
They also knocked the Hammers out of the League Cup when Jared Borgetti’s second-half winner at the Reebok secured a place in the last 16. But West Ham got their revenge when they shattered Allardyce’s FA Cup dream, winning a fifth round replay 2-1 after extra-time at Upton Park after a scoreless first meeting.
If you have memories of a special Wanderers match contact Gordon Sharrock on 01204 537266, at gsharrock@the boltonnews.co.uk or Memory Match, Sports Desk, The Bolton News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE.
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