Bolton came from behind to boost their chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday that left the hosts uncomfortably close to the drop zone as well.
Villa took the lead through Stephen Warnock in the 61st minute, but were stunned by two goals in two minutes from Martin Petrov and David Ngog.
Bolton are still in the relegation zone in 18th place, but just one point behind Wigan and Queens Park Rangers with a game in hand. Villa are another two points ahead in 15th place and angry fans called for manager Alex McLeish to be sacked during the final stages of the game.
Photo: Reuters
The loss means it is officially Villa’s worst home season in club history, with only four wins.
They have won only one of their last 13 league games and are in the middle of the fight to stay up, along with the likes of QPR, Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton.
Bolton survived a first-half onslaught and looked more of a threat after the break, with Mark Davies influential in midfield.
Villa, with five academy products in their side, made a positive start and could have gone ahead inside the first minute after Marc Albrighton won a corner. Charles N’Zogbia’s center picked out Chris Herd, who headed centimeters over the bar.
Warnock was denied by the woodwork after 38 minutes, when his 15m drive rattled the crossbar. Then N’Zogbia clipped the outside of a post with a 30m free kick on the stroke of halftime.
Warnock finally broke the deadlock when he turned home a right-wing cross from N’Zogbia.
However, Bolton retaliated almost immediately and was in front by the 64th minute. Petrov leveled from the penalty spot within 60 seconds after Carlos Cuellar was adjudged to have brought down Mark Davies.
Then Eagles had the time and space to pick out Ngog, who made no mistake from 8m out.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely