This was Bolton's last league game of the season, but despite finishing

third in league, Bolton fell to a 4 - 3 defeat with a combination of poor

finishing and poor umpiring decisions.

Bolton welcomed the return of retired club coach, Dinker Patel in a revamped

defence and was ably assisted with the inform Dave Burdaky and Javed

Chowdry. Preston took the lead early in the first half from a short corner

when the Bolton defence failed to clear the ball. The lead didn't last long

as Bolton equalised through John Woods after a series of intense pressure

from the forwards finally paid off. Dangerous play in the Preston "D"

resulting in the first card of the afternoon as Yogen Patel warned the

umpire to be more assertive to avoid unnecessary injuries. Preston went back

in front from another short corner following a mistake by Chowdry, who left

his post unguarded.

In the second half Bolton battled back and were rewarded with an equaliser

after some great work by Woods resulted in a goal for Chris Lord. Wave after

wave of Bolton attacks proved unsuccessful as they looked to take control,

mainly due to poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping. Preston edged in

front, when a long hopeful pass dissected the Bolton midfield and defence

and despite heroics from Chowdry, he couldn't prevent the Preston forward

from scoring. Preston increased the lead further, when another counter

attack resulted in a Preston forward scoring past a helpless Bolton defence.

With the score at 4 - 2, Bolton lost their cool and tempers. Yogen Patel was

given his marching orders for shouting at his own team and soon after,

Chowdry followed him into the sin bin for an on field skirmish. With Bolton

down to nine men, Woods gave Bolton a lifeline after winning a penalty

stroke and successfully dispatching it. With time running out and with Patel

and Chowdry returning to the field, Bolton threw everything they had at

Preston as they looked for the equaliser, but unfortunately it never came.

A disappointing way to end the season, but with third place guaranteed a

reasonably successful season all round and a very slim possibility that

promotion may yet be achieved.