*Nolan strike sinks Villa*

A stunning Kevin Nolan free-kick gave Bolton the three points they so desperately need in their attempt to beat relegation.

The 76th-minute strike set up a nervous last quarter of an hour at the Reebok Stadium, as Villa searched for an equaliser and Bolton’s fans prayed for the final whistle.

Nolan’s 25-yard effort handed Bolton only their fourth home win of the season - and lifted them above Sunderland to 15th place in the Premiership table.

The midfielder also played a key role in Bolton’s opening goal after just eight minutes.

His ambitious 30-yard volley deflected off Villa defender Mark Delaney to leave Peter Schmeichel completely helpless in the Villa goal.

But Bolton returned the favour on 15 minutes when Paul Warhurst diverted George Boateng’s cross past Kevin Poole.

Worse was to follow for the home side two minutes later when Ian Taylor rose highest to head home a Thomas Hitzlsperger corner.

But the Premiership strugglers hauled themselves back into the game on 40 minutes when Fredi Bobic scored his goal for the club.

The on-loan striker reacted quickest to poke home Youri Djorkaeff’s free-kick

The second half was a scrappy affair and neither side appeared to be doing enough to take all three points until Nolan’s dramatic intervention.

And after this second straight win, Sam Allardyce’s charges are well on their way to preserving their Premiership status.