The debate over goal-line technology is likely to rear itself once again as a result of an incident during the opening half at the Reebok Stadium this afternoon.
Queens Park Rangers defender Clint Hill thought he had given his side the lead when he headed Joey Barton's 18th-minute corner into the goal despite the efforts of Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, who clawed the ball out.
However, referee Martin Atkinson and his assistant adjudged that the ball had not crossed the line, despite replays showing that the ball was at least a yard in.
To make matters worse for Mark Hughes's visitors, they trail the relegation six-pointer 1-0 at the break courtesy of a goal from Darren Pratley. Veteran winger Martin Petrov's cross from the left was met by Pratley, who headed in his first ever Premier League goal from six yards out in the 38th minute.
In reply, Shaun Wright-Phillips had an immediate chance to draw QPR level, but he shot over following a pass from Djibril Cisse.
Hosts Bolton will move out of the relegation zone if they hold on to their lead.
Liam Apicella
