TWO late goals gave Bolton a crucial win in their relegation battle with Birmingham at the Reebok after they had twice lost the lead.

It was ironic that they should score four goals after selling top scorer, Michael Ricketts, to Middlesborough for '3.5million only fifteen hours before the game.

They were handed the best of starts when Birmingham defender, Kenny Cunningham, slid a cross by Ricardo Gardner into his own net after twelve minutes.

But, Birmingham took an increasingly strong grip as the half wore on and Robbie Savage equalised after 44 minutes with a tap in from a left wing cross by Stan Lazaridas.

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It was a blow to Bolton but one they quickly overcame as Henrik Pedersen restored their lead after 26 seconds of the second half, forcing the ball in from close range after Youri Djorkaeff had set up the chance.

Birmingham snapped back to equalise again through Clinton Morrison who was put through on the hour by Stephen Clemence.

The game hung in the balance until the 83rd minute when Bolton's Nigerian International Jay-Jay Okocha, back after injury, made two crucial contributions.

First he set up a chance for Djorkaeff who scored from twelve yards and then he smacked a 25 yard shot against a post for Delroy Facey, who had only been on for five minutes, to score his first Premiership goal from the rebound.

Was this a vital three points for the Trotters? Have your say.

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