The former Wigan Athletic midfielder netted from the spot with just seconds remaining on the clock after Wanderers substitute Abdoulaye Faye had criminally handled in his own area.

Craven Cottage has never been a successful hunting ground for Bolton so in many respects they will feel happy that they managed to come away from West London with something. On the other hand Sam Allardyce and the travelling supports will not be happy at the way in which Fulham where allowed to get back on level terms so late in the match.

Kevin Davies had a glorious chance to put the visitors into a fourth minute lead but the big striker took too long after Ivan Campo had pumped a dangerous ball into the Fulham penalty box.

Fulham started to dominate the first period and a number of chances where to come their way. Fortunately for Bolton though, the Londoners just did not have enough accuracy and conviction on their shots to significantly trouble Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The first of these chances came by way of a set piece just before the quarter hour mark when American veteran Brian McBride headed into the arms of Jaaskelainen following Bullard's free kick.

A couple of minutes later Bullard delivered in another pinpoint free kick which defender Ian Pearce headed wide. It was clear to see that the hosts where quite dangerous when it came to set plays and eventually such decisions went on to change the outcome of the match.

Just before the half hour mark Fulham danger man Bullard got a shot in on Jaaskelainen's goal but the Finnish stopper was alert enough to keep out the uncertain looping effort from going in.

The home side where feeling frustrated that their efforts where not paying off and this was clearly evident when Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop launched a rather hopeful long range shot high and wide of the opposing goal.

Fulham continued to exert pressure on Bolton in the early moments of the second half as a cross from Liam Rosenior was nodded wide by ex-Watford favourite Heidar Helguson.

Kevin Davies showed great determination for Bolton at the other end when managing to shrug off a couple of challenges en-route to goal but his final shot proved to be disappointing.

The Wanderers where then forced into a defensive re-shuffle after left back Quinton Fortune picked up a leg injury. The South African was replaced by utility player Henrik Pedersen, who himself has only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines.

With twenty minutes remaining the Wanderers managed to get themselves in front thanks to a confident penalty from striker El-Hadji Diouf. The African front man lashed the ball past Fulham keeper Antti Niemi after Gary Speed had been felled in the area.

The goal seemed to turn the game in Bolton's favour as Diouf then created a chance for fellow attacker Ricardo Vaz-Te but the teenager could not keep his diving header on target.

In the latter stages Fulham substitute Tomasz Radzinski was denied following an excellent challenge by Abdoulaye Meite but it was the involvement of the other Abdoulaye, Abdoulaye Faye, which cost Wanderers maximum points.

Bolton Wanderers: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Nicky Hunt, Abdoulaye Meite, Tal Ben-Haim, Quinton Fortune (Henrik Pedersen), Kevin Nolan, Ivan Campo, Gary Speed, El-Hadji Diouf, Kevin Davies (Abdoulaye Faye), Ricardo Vaz-Te

Subs Not Used: Stelios Giannakopoulos, Idan Tal, Ian Walker

Fulham: Antti Niemi, Liam Rosenior, Philippe Christanval, Ian Pearce, Franck Queudrue, Jimmy Bullard, Michael Brown (Tomasz Radzinski), Papa Bouba Diop, Luis Boa-Morte, Brian McBride, Heidar Helguson (Collins John)

Subs Not Used: Carlos Bocanegra, Moritz Volz, Jaroslaw Drobny

Referee:

Alan Wiley

Attendance:

18,559

Booked:

Kevin Davies (Bolton)

Kevin Nolan (Bolton

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