Fowler strike seals victory

Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler celebrated his 31st birthday in style, after scoring the winner against Bolton.

The Anfield legend scored just before half time, securing Liverpool's fifth successive win on the trot.

Kevin Nolan could have opened the scoring for Bolton just four minutes into the first half, however his shot was too easy for Liverpool keeper Jose Reina.

Reina was again on hand to keep out Stelios Giannakopoulos after he raced clear of the Liverpool defence, however Stelios' shot was well saved by the Spanish stopper.

Nolan had a chance to redeem himself from the earlier miss, however his chip landed on the roof of the net.

John Arne Riise took Liverpool's first attempt on goal by storm, the Norwegian unleashed a powerful drive that fizzed just wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen's goal.

Harry Kewell then turned inside the Bolton area before lashing a shot across the face of goal, evading everybody including England striker Peter Crouch.

The deadlock was finally broken right on the stroke of half time, Robbie Fowler played the ball into Peter Crouch, who smartly laid the ball back to Fowler, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the Bolton goal.

Luis Garcia was brought on at half time, and immediately had a chance to double the advantage, however his header was wide of the goal.

Garcia had another chance, but this time could only find the side netting after being fed in by Xabi Alonso.

Alonso himself then had a chance, picking up a loose clearance; the Spaniard hammered the ball forward, only to see it rebound back off the post.

Bolton could have levelled when Davies was sent clean through on goal, but Reina was aware of the danger and raced off his line to block the shot.

Peter Crouch could have doubled the Reds advantage, but his header was aimed straight at Bolton keeper Jaaskelainen.

Australian striker Harry Kewell also had a great chance, but his effort was wide of the post, his hard work wasted after a great run from inside his own half.

Bolton could be considered lucky, after Liverpool wasted endless chances to hammer an under strength Bolton side.