Bolton 1 Charlton 2

The day started so well for Bolton, who took the lead inside the second minute through Youri Djorkaeff. However instead of building on their lead, it was Charlton who gained the momentum.

Striker Jason Euell secured the points after Chris Bart-Williams had pulled them level from the penalty spot. Bolton surged forward from the off and Paul Warhurst rattled in a shot from the edge of the area that goalkeeper Dean Kiely could only parry.

The ball fell invitingly at the feet of Djorkaeff and he tapped it home. It was just the start Bolton and Djorkaeff needed. Much is expected of the experienced French forward after he secured a long-term deal in the summer.

Charlton's problems increased in the sixth minute when defender Gary Rowett limped off. He was replaced by Steve Brown. The Londoners were again forced on the back foot and Graham Stuart was forced to make a hasty clearance from Warhurst's powerful effort. Bolton kept the momentum going and Djorkaeff released Henrik Pedersen but he sent his shot wide of the post from a good position.

Ricardo Gardner should have extended Bolton's lead when he was given a free header at the back post following Pedersen's delivery. However he squandered the opportunity and failed to test Kiely by sending his effort wide of the target. Charlton carved out their first chance of the game in the 22nd minute when Chris Powell swung in a cross from the left.

Jonatan Johansson got away from his marker but steered his header well wide. Charlton drew level in the 26th minute following a push by Bruno N'Gotty on Richard Rufus. Referee Matt Messias immediately awarded a penalty kick and Bart-Williams took full advantage. He sent Jaaskelainen the wrong way from the spot to put Charlton back in the game.

Djorkaeff tried to get Bolton going again and fired in a shot that Kiely did well to block with his legs. Charlton, however, were growing in confidence and Johansson managed to skip away from N'Gotty.

Again the finish was poor, his shot going wide of the post from only six yards out. Then Jensen raced forward and tried his luck from 30 yards but failed to test Jaaskelainen. Pedersen got away for Bolton in the 47th minute only to be pulled back by Brown. Djorkaeff swung in a free kick from the left but Chris Powell managed to divert the ball to safety.

There was a moment of danger for Bolton when Whitlow's attempted clearance fell at Konchesky's feet. He rattled in a shot from the edge of the area that Barness did well to divert for a corner. Charlton were winning the midfield and Bart-Williams sent in a curling 30-yard free kick, only to see it go narrowly wide.

Bolton broke away and Pedersen picked out Ricketts but he looked low on confidence as he scuffed his shot. The home side kept up the pressure and Warhurst released Djorkaeff with a sweeping crossfield pass. The Frenchman threaded the ball through to Gardner but he was crowded out before he could pose a threat.

Charlton hit back and Euell stung Jaaskelainen's hands with a shot from inside the area. Euell grabbed the winner for Charlton in the 71st minute after a sweeping move in the final third of the park. Jensen, once such a favourite with the home fans, cut the ball back to Johansson.

The Finland striker play it into the path of Euell, who knocked the ball home from eight yards. Bolton tried desperately hard to get back in the game but Kiely reacted superbly to block shots from sub Kevin Nolan then Warhurst.

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Editors Opioion
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This was just what Charlton needed after selling Kinsella. The win was nice but losing our new captain Graham Stuart and new defender Gary Rowett was not needed. Stuart and Rowett could be out for weeks. Alan Curnishley now needs to go into the tranfer market before the deadline. I would like to see Fortune given a chance to cover for Rowett unless Fish is fit. But we need another midfielder and Alex may be a good signing to get.