Sturridge scores as Bolton beat Everton

Posted on February 14, 2011 by SoccerPunter

Daniel Sturridge maintained his current hot streak as the Bolton striker sealed a 2-0 win over Everton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.

Sturridge has been in superb form since his loan move from Chelsea on transfer deadline day and Everton were unable to stop the youngster, who was forced out of Stamford Bridge by the arrival of Fernando Torres, netting his third goal in three games.

Owen Coyle’s team had taken the lead through Gary Cahill’s first half header and Sturridge delivered the knockout blow with a fine finish as Bolton moved within one point of seventh placed Sunderland.

While Wanderers are on the up, Everton continue to struggle and David Moyes’ team remain only three points above the relegation zone.

Everton striker Victor Anichebe returned in place of France star Louis Saha, who was sidelined with a hamstring strain after scoring four goals in last weekend’s victory over Blackpool.

Coyle’s side had lost five of their previous seven league matches. Despite that disappointing run, the hosts looked confident enough early on and Gary Cahill was just off-target with a header from Matt Taylor’s corner.

Everton had been warned about Bolton’s ability from set-pieces but they failed to learn the lesson as Coyle’s men took the lead in the 10th minute.

Stuart Holden’s free-kick picked out Gary Cahill and the England defender powered down a header that deflected off Everton defender John Heitinga and past wrong-footed goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Everton should have equalised in the 17th minute when Tim Cahill was left unmarked at the back post, but the Australian miscued his shot woefully wide following a cross from Leighton Baines.

Bolton were forced to make a substitution when defender Zat Knight fell awkwardly after tangling with Anichebe and was replaced by David Wheater.

Tim Cahill nearly took advantage of the Bolton reshuffle as he tested goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area.

Everton threatened at the start of the second half when Marouane Fellaini was set up by Seamus Coleman but the midfielder sent his effort high and wide of the woodwork.

Tim Cahill was next to get into a good position as he volleyed over but Bolton went further ahead in the 67th minute.

South Korean Lee Chung-Yong, on as a substitute, threaded a pass through to Sturridge and he smashed his shot beyond Howard.

It could have been worse for Everton as Holden found the net in the 80th minute after a back heel from Sturridge. However referee Lee Probert ruled out the American’s effort, claiming that Sturridge had run the ball over the by-line.