Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bolton Wanderers. . . . . . . 1
Wolverhampton Wanderers. . . .3
Burnden Park, where Wolves endured their darkest hour in the 1986 FA Cup capitulation to Chorley, saw the Graham Taylor era launched with a potentially priceless victory over Bolton last night, writes Phil Shaw.
Guy Whittingham, standing in for the injured Steve Bull on loan from Villa, scored twice as Wolves kept alive their play-off prospects. His second goal, which killed off Bolton 14 minutes from time, arrived immediately after the former England manager had exchanged his stand seat for a touchline view.
'I said to the chairman: 'I've got to go down there', and it was good to be back on the bench,' Taylor explained. 'Now we've got to keep the impetus going for a very important game at home to Tranmere.'
Taylor claimed no credit for the win, the team having been prepared by his captain, Peter Shirtliff, who presided over two victories and a draw following Graham Turner's resignation. 'Peter's got to be sacked,' the new incumbent quipped. 'He's too good.'
Employing their customary three central defenders - a system which served Taylor well at Villa - Wolves took a 26- minute lead. Lee Mills had a drive parried by Aiden Davison, only for Whittingham to convert the rebound.
During the hosts' best spell, Mike Stowell brilliantly tipped Owen Coyle's curling 20-yard shot on to the woodwork. But the Wolves keeper was helpless in the 50th minute, John McGinlay dispatching his 25th goal of the season after being set up by Coyle.
Andy Thompson stole up from left-back to restore Wolves' advantage six minutes later after Mills' shot had been deflected into his path. Whittingham, who also scored Saturday's winner at Charlton, sealed their success after pouncing on a Davison error.
It was all a far cry from Taylor's discordant England swan- song, against San Marino, when his left-back's main contribution was to give away a seven-second goal.
Bolton Wanderers (5-3-2): Davison; Brown, Stubbs (Lee, 78), Seagraves, Winstanley, Phillips; Alan Thompson, McAteer, Patterson; Coyle, McGinlay. Substitutes not used: Walker, Walton (gk).
Wolverhampton Wanderers (5-3-2): Stowell; Rankine, Blades, Shirtliff, Venus, Andy Thompson; Keen, Ferguson, Cook (Birch, h/t); Mills, Whittingham. Substitutes not used: Regis, Jones (gk).
Referee: A Wilkie (Chester-le-Street).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments