Bolton woe as Premier League slump continues

Bolton's slide towards Premier League relegation continued on Saturday as Owen Coyle's side crashed to their fifth consecutive loss with a 2-0 defeat at Fulham. With Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham all playing on Sunday, Saturday's reduced programme saw attention turn to the lower half of the table where Bolton began the day rooted to the bottom. But Bolton's hopes of bagging a crucial three points were effectively ended midway through the first half at Craven Cottage as Fulham went 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz. Dempsey fired Fulham ahead on 32 minutes, the American international heading home after a fine run and cross from Ruiz. Moments later Ruiz made it 2-0 after latching on to Dempsey's pass before chipping over Jussi Jaaskelainen. Bolton's Lancashire rivals Blackburn also remain anchored in the relegation mire after crashing to 2-1 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion, their sixth loss from eight home games this season. West Brom's James Morrison fired the visitors ahead on 52 minutes, lashing in a volley from the edge of the area after Steven N'Zonzi failed to clear. Morrison's strike was the cue for boos as Rovers miserable season continued before defender Scott Dann bundled in an equaliser on 72 minutes to get Blackburn back on level terms. Yet just as it looked as if Rovers had salvaged a point, Peter Odemwingie curled in a long-range winner on 89 minutes to make it 2-1. The defeat was met with angry boos from Rovers fans, who have been demanding the dismissal of embattled manager Steve Kean. Elsewhere Stoke fought back from 1-0 down to snatch a 2-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux. Stephen Hunt fired Wolves ahead with a penalty on 16 minutes but Stoke hit back with a Kevin Doyle own goal before Peter Crouch scrambled in the winner on 70 minutes. Promoted Norwich meanwhile continued their impressive run of form with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park against Everton. Grant Holt put the Canaries ahead on 28 minutes before a second half onslaught from the Toffees culminated with Leon Osman equalising for Everton on 81 minutes. In the other early game, Newcastle were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Swansea. Chelsea were playing Wigan in Saturday's late kick-off.