Bolton extends stay at Heart

Updated May 25, 2012 16:43:55

Veteran goalkeeper Clint Bolton has re-signed with Melbourne Heart for another year.

The 36-year-old shot-stopper, second on the all-time national league appearances list with 467 matches, enjoyed a fine 2011/12 season between the posts as the Heart made their maiden finals series.

Bolton was also selected in the PFA's A-League team of the season after keeping seven clean sheets.

"I'm looking forward to the next stage of the Heart's evolution. I really want to be a huge part of John Aloisi's first big step as a head coach and make sure he has all the support we can give him as a playing group," Bolton said.

"It's important the club keeps progressing and a lot of that hard work has been done behind the scenes, but ultimately as a team, we need to keep moving forward and do better than we did last season.

"The way we bowed out of the finals in Perth will definitely act as a motivation for the entire squad to improve and I'm eagerly anticipating the challenge ahead."

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 25, 2012 16:43:55

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Gunners fire blanks in Bolton stalemate

Updated February 02, 2012 11:29:53

Newcastle United closed in on the top four with a 2-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers while Arsenal slipped to seventh after a goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers stretched its winless run in the Premier League to four matches.

Scott Dann's own goal and a late effort by substitute Gabriel Obertan lifted Newcastle into fifth place, three points behind Chelsea, as Rovers remained stuck fast in the relegation zone.

Arsenal drew 0-0 at Bolton and remain five points adrift of a top-four place that has been a virtual guarantee for the past decade under manager Arsene Wenger, whose Dutch striker Robin van Persie was twice denied by the woodwork.

The Gunners fired 16 shots in total, all but one coming from outside the box, but only managed to put four on target in a wasteful display.

"When you create six or seven clear-cut chances, it is difficult not to win and we do have regrets but the positives have to be that we didn't concede," said Wenger.

"The belief is there, the desire is there and the confidence is there. We have come through a difficult period and we have of course a fight in front of us but we are ready for it," Wenger added when quizzed on his side's prospects of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

"We have to hope that the fact we didn't lose gives us confidence."

Djibril Cisse needed less than 15 minutes to mark his return to the Premier League with a goal as he opened his account for Queen's Park Rangers in its 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old former Liverpool and Sunderland player, who signed on transfer deadline day from Lazio, celebrated with a somersault after smashing a shot past Villa keeper Shay Given.

QPR doubled its lead with a Stephen Warnock own goal but England striker Darren Bent halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time and Charles N'Zogbia volleyed a second-half equaliser, his first goal for the Midlands club.

"We're delighted that he has such an instant impact so early in his QPR career. You saw his quality tonight in tight areas, where he was able to use his pace and power and that will be effective for us in the course of the season," QPR manager Mark Hughes said of French striker Cisse.

Sunderland's form continued its upward curve since Martin O'Neill took over as manager with a 3-0 home victory over Norwich City that lifted it to eighth - Fraizer Campbell paving the way for the three points with a spectacular volleyed opener.

Former Fulham coach Roy Hodgson returned to Craven Cottage where his West Bromwich Albion side eked out a 1-1 draw thanks to a late equaliser by Somen Tchoyi.

Newcastle, the surprise package during the early months of the season, proved it is serious contenders for a European berth with a gritty win at Ewood Park.

After Ryan Taylor's shot deflected into the net off Dann after 12 minutes Newcastle was forced to defend for long periods as the hosts dominated.

Blackburn's David Dunn squandered the chance to equalise from the penalty spot and Rovers also struck the woodwork late on before Obertan's clincher.

"You have got to have resilience, a good keeper and a good captain and we have got that," Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said.

"Blackburn create chances all the time because everything comes in your box.

"We defended with passion and with our hearts, like we have done all season and that is why we have done so well."

Reuters

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted February 02, 2012 09:24:50

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Bolton stuns Liverpool as Chelsea slips up

Updated January 22, 2012 08:34:20

Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a fresh blow on Sunday morning as it crashed to a 3-1 defeat at struggling Bolton.

Goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo-Coker and Gretar Steinsson secured a vital three points for Bolton, who moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season following the win.

But the defeat saw Liverpool squander an opportunity to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, and continued a miserable run of form for the Reds who have taken only six points from a possible 18 in their last six games.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle later challenged his team to stay out of the relegation mire over the second half of the season.

"We know we're capable of having a big second half of the season and that's what we must do, we must kick on," Coyle said.

"There's room for improvement and that's what we must strive for. I thought we were worthy winners.

"Sometimes you ride your luck against the big teams but nothing could have been further from the truth today."

Liverpool, whose lone goal came from Craig Bellamy, is now in seventh place, six points adrift of Chelsea.

Furious Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish accused his players of disrespecting Bolton.

"There is no-one at this club who doesn't have respect for other people," he said.

"If that was what the problem was, if they thought this game was not as important as the next one, then fine - but they won't be here.

"The result is disappointing but the most disappointing thing was I don't think they were ready to play the game."

Earlier, Fernando Torres' three-month goal-drought continued as Chelsea also stumbled in a 0-0 draw at Premier League new boys Norwich.

Chelsea enjoyed the better chances of a scrappy game but was left frustrated as 50-million-pound striker Torres drew a blank yet again.

The draw left Chelsea in fourth place, five points behind third-placed Tottenham, which faces leader Manchester City at Eastlands on Monday morning.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas later defended Torres, who has not scored for the club since October.

"He couldn't find the back of the net but we are not just looking for that," Villas-Boas said.

"With a little bit more luck he will find the back of the net."

Elsewhere, Clint Dempsey struck a hat-trick as Fulham came from behind to defeat sixth-placed Newcastle 5-2 at Craven Cottage.

Danny Guthrie gave Newcastle the lead with a 25-yard thunderbolt just before half-time before Fulham came roaring back in the second half.

Danny Murphy levelled from the penalty spot after Davide Santon brought down Damien Duff and then two goals in six minutes from Dempsey made it 3-1.

Bobby Zamora then made it 4-1 from the penalty spot on 68 minutes as Newcastle's challenge unravelled.

Hatem Ben Arfa scored a consolation goal for Newcastle before Dempsey completed his hat-trick.

Queens Park Rangers moved out of the relegation zone after goals from Heidar Helguson, Akos Buzsaky and Tommy Smith gave new manager Mark Hughes the first league victory of his reign with a 3-1 win over bottom club Wigan.

Wigan had raised hopes of a fight-back in the second half when Hugo Rodallega pulled one back to make it 2-1, before goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi pulled off a stunning penalty save for the Latics.

But QPR's third, scored by Smith nine minutes from time, killed the game off and means that Roberto Martinez's side is now four points adrift of safety.

Meanwhile, Blackburn battled to a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, David Goodwillie equalising for Rovers after SoccerooTim Cahill's first goal for 13 months gave Everton the lead on 24 minutes.

A dramatic finale at the Britannia Stadium saw West Bromwich Albion snatch a 2-1 win over Stoke.

Graham Dorrans' injury-time free-kick clinched the three points for the Baggies after Stoke had looked to have secured a draw with Cameron Jerome's 86th-minute equaliser.

West Brom had taken the lead through James Morrison on 35 minutes after Thomas Sorensen's blunder.

Sunderland's resurgence under Martin O'Neill gathered pace with a 2-0 win over Swansea, Stephane Sessegnon scoring the opener after working a clever one-two with James McClean on 14 minutes.

Substitute Craig Gardner wrapped up the points seven minutes after coming on as the Black Cats' good form continued.

Elsewhere, Robbie Keane made a triumphant return for Aston Villa, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over 10-man Wolves in his first match back since completing a loan move from MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy.

Darren Bent put Villa ahead with a penalty on 11 minutes but Wolves fought back to go 2-1 up through Michael Kightly and David Edwards.

But Keane completed a fairytale return for Villa with a 51st minute equaliser before snatching the winner six minutes from time.

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england

First posted January 22, 2012 06:49:16

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Bolton talks up Heart's title chances

Updated December 20, 2011 19:25:05

Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton has declared the A-League's newest club are genuine title contenders ahead of Friday night's eagerly-anticipated derby against the Victory.

After failing to win a game in their opening five matches, the Heart have rocketed into third place on the ladder with five victories.

And it was the recent 2-1 win over titleholders Brisbane at Lang Park that has cemented a wall of confidence around the side.

According to veteran shot-stopper Bolton, who will play his 450th NSL/A-League match during Friday night's derby at AAMI Park, the Heart are now serious challengers.

He said the players had "a sniff" of the championship after their recent run.

"I have the confidence in our team to know that on our day we are favourites to beat any team," Bolton said.

"When you beat Brisbane in Brisbane there's no doubt you can't help think, we've beaten the champions, the best in the league at the time ... and we can match it with them.

"You certainly don't get ahead of yourself.

"After that win I think we worked harder than we ever have."

He says a steely resolve among the playing group was a key to the turn-around in fortunes.

"We've become hard to beat and that's just learning from the first two games but the biggest factor is boys stepping up, particularly the young guys," he said.

Bolton named 22-year-old striker Mate Dugandzic, who crossed the Melbourne divide from the Victory to the Heart at the start of this year, as one of the most improved players in the league.

Despite their win over Brisbane, Bolton said taking the points on Friday - the two sides drew earlier in the season - would be the side's most important victory.

"It's massive, a typical derby and everything that goes along with it (like) bragging rights.

"And we're both at crucial stages in the season so it's about momentum - we've got it and we want to keep it going," Bolton said.

But he said the Heart had no lack of respect for their cross-town rivals.

"They've got a couple of very dangerous players who can hurt any team. (Striker) Archie Thompson is the key man for them and his link-up with Carlos (Hernandez) is the key thing we've got to watch," Bolton said.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 20, 2011 19:25:05

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Blackburn bottom after Bolton defeat

Updated December 21, 2011 11:07:55

Blackburn Rovers were left bottom of the English Premier League after a 2-1 Lancashire derby defeat at home to fellow relegation candidates Bolton Wanderers at Ewood Park this morning (AEDT).

Bolton, which kicked off as the league's basement club and remained in the bottom three even after this win, enjoyed a sensational start.

Mark Davies put them ahead inside five minutes and Nigel Reo-Coker made it 2-0 on the half-hour.

Davies's goal reignited the terrace taunts from Rovers fans towards manager Steve Kean, who has been under fire since he was appointed by Venky's, the Indian-based poultry firm that owns the club, a year ago.

However, the jeers were stilled when Blackburn striker Yakubu pulled a goal back with 23 minutes left

But that was as good as it got for Rovers as they sunk to a costly home defeat.

"The fans come and expect us to get at Bolton and we didn't," Kean told the BBC.

"But I think they saw a response in the second half.

"It's not nice to lose any game, irrespective of what the fans are singing.

"Of course I will continue. We'll be positive and climb the table. There is no board meeting due, I spoke to the owners before the game and I am sure we will all stick together."

It had been suggested before kick-off that whichever of the two Scottish managers on show ended up on the losing side could be sacked before Christmas and Bolton boss Owen Coyle sympathised with Kean.

"I feel for Steve - the shoe could have been on other foot, but I'm delighted to come out on the right end of the result," Coyle told the BBC.

"We're in a position that's self-inflicted. But the fans got behind the team and they can go into Christmas with a smile on their faces.

"Steve Kean is a very gifted coach and manager. You could get the 20 best coaches in football and someone's got to occupy the bottom two. It's an easy story to write but sometimes changing manager is not the solution.

"Blackburn Rovers are a fantastic club. The supporters pay their money but have they ever given Steve a chance from the outset? I don't think so."

In the morning's other Premier League match, Wolves twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to promoted Norwich that left them two points above the drop zone.

Former Wolverhampton midfielder Andrew Surman gave Norwich an early lead before Sylvan Ebanks-Blake equalised before half-time.

Substitute Simeon Jackson made it 2-1 to Norwich with his first touch in the 76th minute before Wolves defender Ronald Zubar scored his first goal of the season six minutes later.

"It was exciting, captivating and excruciating at times," said Wolves manager Mick McCarthy.

"Irrespective of the goals we've conceded, we should have won with the amount of chances we created."

Norwich boss Paul Lambert added: "It was a bit frustrating at times...But I'm delighted with the way we played."

AFP

Tags: english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom

First posted December 21, 2011 10:38:26

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Bolton bounces back to reach milestone

Updated December 03, 2011 16:36:49

Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton feared being forced into retirement as the A-League season loomed.

Instead, the 36-year-old will play his 446th national soccer league match on Sunday - with only three players having played more top-flight club games in Australia.

Bolton trails just National Soccer League legends Alex Tobin, Paul Trimboli and Damian Mori on the all-time list.

But he admits making it to Sunday's clash with Wellington Phoenix in Morwell was far from his mind as he battled a chronic groin problem in the preseason.

All he thought about was would he play at all.

"To be honest, I didn't really know if I could get to this point right now where I am," he said.

"Pre-season it was a very stop-start affair with my injury. I'd come back from my injury and I'd feel good, the next week I would pull up sore again and it was back to square one.

"At that point I had a good discussion with the coaches what my options were.

"Possible surgery, all these things, but the bottom line was I don't think I could go in for surgery at this stage of my career and come back from it.

"We persisted in what we were doing and finally it turned around. But there were plenty of moments along the way I just kept questioning whether I should be going on or not."

Careful management by the club of both the injury and Bolton's training has brought him back from the brink.

He trains less.

Each session is followed by immersing himself in a wheelie bin of ice water.

Great in summer, not so great on chilly Melbourne mornings far removed from days growing up in sunny Bundaberg in Queensland, or winning the NSL grand final with Brisbane Strikers in 1997.

Bolton has gone on to win four championships - two in the NSL and two with Sydney FC before joining the Heart.

He jokes his milestone just shows he is old, that each game he plays brings him closer to his last.

Yet battle-hardened and battered, he remains one of the A-League's best goalkeepers.

Bolton was Heart's player of the year in their debut season, and has again proved his importance this season.

His return coincided with the Heart going on a six-match unbeaten streak, only broken by a loss to Central Coast last weekend.

"I really enjoy the battle still, and it's good to see the progression the team's made," Bolton said.

"It's stunning to see in patches what we can produce in an attacking sense.

"To see it, bit by bit coming together. The coach (John van 't Schip) has had a philosophy and slowly we're starting to produce exactly what's in his head.

"For me, that's rewarding in itself."

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 03, 2011 16:36:49

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Bolton, Colosimo fit for Heart

Updated October 20, 2011 14:00:16

Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton and defender Simon Colosimo have proved their fitness and will play in Saturday night's derby against Melbourne Victory.

Neither has played for the Heart in their winless start to the season.

But both trained well on Thursday to back up promising sessions on Wednesday, and will be named in the Heart squad to take on the Victory.

Bolton, who has been battling a groin injury that needs ongoing management, said a lighter training regimen had really helped him in his efforts to play his first game of the season.

"I feel good - had a good hit-out today and I'm pencilled in for the game on Saturday," Bolton said.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll be there. These big games are what I enjoy the most, so I'm looking forward to it."

Colosimo has trained well all week, and two runs with the Heart's youth team have put him on track for an immediate call-up to central defence.

The Victory are equally desperate to take maximum points from the clash with the Heart.

The Harry Kewell-led Victory have just one point from their two matches, and have not scored a goal this season.

AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted October 20, 2011 14:00:16

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Jones showboats as Bolton sinks

 Published:Monday, April 18, 2011 6:35 AEST

Stoke City's Jermaine Pennant watches as Kenwyne Jones celebrates after scoring during their FA Cup semi-final match against Bolton Wanderers at Wembley in London, April 17, 2011. Stoke won the match 5-0.

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Stoke routs Bolton to reach first Cup final

Posted April 18, 2011 06:04:00

Stoke City stormed into its first ever FA Cup final after a first-half goal spree inspired a 5-0 win against Bolton in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley.

Tony Pulis's side will face Manchester City in the final on May 14 after three goals from Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth and Kenwyne Jones in the space of 19 minutes destroyed Bolton before the match had even reached half-time.

Jonathan Walters capped Stoke's perfect day with two more goals after the interval.

Stoke was appearing in its first semi-final in the competition since 1972, the year it also won its last significant piece of silverware when it beat Chelsea in the League Cup final.

Now it could eclipse even that famous achievement if it beats Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled outfit at Wembley next month.

After City's tense victory over Manchester United on Saturday, this was a far more one-sided affair.

With on-loan Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge cup-tied, Bolton boss Owen Coyle opted for Ivan Klasnic as Kevin Davies's strike-partner, while Pulis recalled Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen in place of Asmir Begovic.

It was immediately clear that Stoke would not be unnerved by the occasion.

In the opening seconds Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was forced to rush off his line to save a Walters shot as the striker burst clear.

Bolton was still struggling to come to terms with the occasion when Stoke took the lead in the 11th minute.

A series of misplaced passes gifted possession to Etherington and the former West Ham winger was given time and space to shoot past Jaaskelainen from 20 yards.

It got even better for Stoke six minutes later when German defender Huth latched onto Gary Cahill's poor headed clearance and drove in a shot that Jaaskelainen failed to keep out despite getting both hands on the ball.

Stoke had been beaten in successive FA Cup semi-finals in 1971 and 1972, but any fears of another letdown were completely banished when Jones punished more poor Bolton defending in the 30th minute.

Jermaine Pennant robbed Martin Petrov in midfield and ran at the Bolton defence before sliding the ball through Cahill's legs for Trinidad striker Jones to slot home with ease.

Bolton was last in the FA Cup final back in 1958 when it lifted the trophy thanks to two goals from Nat Lofthouse against Manchester United.

Lofthouse remains the greatest player in Bolton's history and his death in January aged 85 prompted many glowing tributes to the legendary forward.

But there was to be no fairy-tale return to Wembley. Coyle hauled off Klasnic and Petrov and sent on Matthew Taylor and Mark Davies at half-time.

But Stoke picked up where it left off and some shambolic Bolton defending almost gifted Jones his second goal only for Paul Robinson to block the striker's shot.

Stoke went close again when a Bolton clearance was returned to Walters, who was thwarted by Jaaskelainen.

But Walters scored the goal of the game in the 68th minute as he burst forward from the halfway line and curled in a superb strike from 25 yards.

Stoke kept coming forward and when Jones got free down the right nine minutes from time, he crossed for Andy Wilkinson, whose sliced finish fell perfectly for Walters to clip home.

It was the perfect end to arguably the greatest day in Stoke's history as it became the first team for 72 years to win a semi-final by a five-goal margin.

- AFP

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