GARY Megson will have £25,000 less to spend on new players when the transfer window opens in January after Bolton's badly needed point at Fulham came at a price.

Wanderers face an automatic fine after six players were cautioned, including skipper Kevin Davies, by referee Steve Bennett. Indeed, Bolton will now miss their talismanic captain through suspension in Saturday's relegation scrap at Wolves.

Megson wouldn't risk another financial penalty by criticising the Kent official.

But he and his players were less than happy despite a battling point to stop a run of four successive defeats.

"The ball was there to be won and I think Brede Hangeland rode the challenge," said Davies of this third-minute caution.

"You could see he wasn't hurt. I slightly mistimed the tackle and I thought the referee could have warned me.

"But when you go to ground and miss the ball, you risk a booking."

Davies though had no doubt about the determination in the camp.

"The lads are very much together and willing to fight for each other as you saw in this game.

"Heads could have dropped because of where we are in the table. But the reaction was good and I could tell before kick-off everyone was up for it."

Bolton cautions

Jlloyd Samuel also saw yellow along with Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ricardo Gardner, Gavin McCann and Gretar Steinsson.

"I have never played in a game where so many yellow cards were given out for soft tackles," argued Samuel.

"But the referee made his mind up and he didn't seem to be on our side."

Under-pressure Megson insisted: "I didn't see too many poor challenges. We didn't put our foot in any more or less than we usually do."

Certainly, Fulham players made a meal of the robust tackles.

"I don't like my players going to ground and showing they are injured. If you are fouled, you get up and get on with it.

"But there are not too many that are behaving like that."

Ivan Klasnic's superbly taken goal gave Bolton a 34th minute lead they held until 15 minutes from time.

But Fulham's second half pressure brought its reward when Damien Duff scored via a slight deflection off Gary Cahill.

BOLTON: Jaaskelainen 7, Steinsson 8, Cahill 8, A. O'Brien 7, Samuel 7, McCann 6, Cohen 6 (M Davies 78), Gardner 6, Taylor 6, K Davies 6 (Muamba 60), Klasnic 6.

What do you think? Have your say.



Tweet