Stephen Dobbie nets winner for relegated Bolton against promotion-chasing Hull
Substitute Stephen Dobbie's fourth goal of the season earned relegated Bolton a shock 1-0 Sky Bet Championship victory over Premier League hopefuls Hull at the Macron Stadium.
Dobbie fired home a cross from Lawrie Wilson to give League One-bound Wanderers only a fifth win of a dismal campaign, and a first home triumph in 15 matches.
It also ensured Hull's away hoodoo against Bolton continued unchecked, having not won on Trotters' territory since 1935.
Wanderers suffered a setback before kick-off as Josh Vela picked up a knee injury and was unable to take his place in Jimmy Phillips' penultimate starting line-up as interim manager.
Bolton had three chances to open the scoring on 20 minutes, following good work by Mark Davies
Darren Pratley forced a fine save from Eldin Jakupovic, who pushed the ball out to top scorer Zach Clough
His goal-bound effort was blocked by defender Brian Lenihan, before Neil Danns drilled a low left-footed effort wide.
Having survived in front of the travelling fans, Hull broke clear to fashion their opening chance
Ahmed Elmohamady crossed from the Bolton left and Chuba Akpom headed wide from seven yards.
Pratley appealed in vain for a penalty as Bolton attempted to win their first home game since beating Rotherham on February 5.
Midfielders Davies and Pratley were cautioned by referee Graham Scott, who also lectured Emile Heskey for what looked a firm but legal challenge on Robert Snodgrass.
Pratley's tackle on Shaun Maloney provided the Tigers one final opportunity to break the deadlock before the break
And dead-ball specialist Snodgrass whipped in a trademark left-footed free-kick from 30 yards only to see his effort graze the top of Ben Amos' crossbar.
Snodgrass went close again three minutes into the second period, slipping clear of Championship full debutant Tyler Garrett and trying to chip Amos
The former Manchester United youth goalkeeper pushed the ball clear at the expense of a corner.
It soon became apparent there was more purpose about both sides, and Wanderers were unlucky again after 52 minutes when Clough played in Danns.
The former Leicester midfielder managed to get his shot away, but Jakupovic was quickly off his line to block the danger.
Wanderers went even closer when David Wheater's header was scrambled off the line by a combination of Jakupovic and his defenders.
Hull were lamenting the woodwork on 62 minutes when Elmohamady created a superb chance for Akpom, whose first-time effort crashed against the bar.
Bolton introduced George Newell, son of former Everton and Blackburn striker Mike, for a senior debut on 63 minutes.
And two minutes later he was involved in a flowing move, also involving Danns and Wilson
It was full-back Wilson's cross that provided the assist for Dobbie to lash home at the back post.
Despite late pressure, the visitors could not fashion an equaliser and Phillips was able to celebrate his first win since replacing Neil Lennon in March.
Source : PA
Source: PA