A classy finish from Zach Clough has given Bolton Wanderers a 1-0 win at home to Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.
The home side made a bright start and they almost took an early lead, but David Stockdale kept out Neil Danns's volley at the far post.
Brighton then almost snatched the lead themselves, as a quick break down the left-hand side saw Craig Mackail-Smith set up Sam Baldock, but his volley was well kept out by Ben Amos.
Both teams struggled to create much for the next 20 minutes, until David Wheater came within inches of giving Bolton the lead, as his header from a Barry Bannan free kick missed at the near post.
Bolton continued to have the better chances after the break as Tim Ream picked out Emile Heskey in the box, but his volley fizzed inches wide.
Brighton almost caught the hosts out on the break, but two quick-fire close-range efforts by Mackail-Smith were blocked by Amos and Wheater.
However, Bolton found the breakthrough in the 64th minute, as Josh Vela fed the ball to Clough and he fired across the keeper and into the bottom corner.
Clough's goal brought Brighton out of their shell, as Joao Carlos Teixeira blasted one over the bar from a good position, before his effort from point-blank range was blocked by Wheater.
Wheater was called into action again towards the end, as he got in the way of Kazenga LuaLua's fierce long-range shot to help his side to victory.
Charlie Bennett
