A large proportion of the Saturday morning media reports had claimed that Allardyce was about to end his eight year tenure as Wanderers manager at the end of the season and if proved to be true then the club will certainly end the season with a bang.

Allardyce had to make a number of changes to the side which lost to Reading and at one point was even doubtful to make the trip to the capital himself owing to a recent illness.

El-Hadji Diouf, Nicky Hunt, Stelios Giannakopoulos, Kevin Nolan, Abdoulaye Faye, Tal Ben-Haim, Quinton Fortune and Joey O'Brien where all missing from contention through injury forcing Bolton to hand a first start to Slovakian international Lubomir Michalik following his impressive substitute appearance just over a week ago.

Chelsea left big guns such as Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Joe Cole on the substitutes bench and it is a decision which may have ultimately cost the Blues their third consecutive Premiership title.

A win for Manchester United against Everton at Goodison Park not only helps Bolton back into fifth place, it also moves United to five points ahead of Chelsea with just a few games to play, including a crucial game between the two teams next month.

Youngster Saloman Kalou looked lively for the hosts in the opening minutes and seemed to be putting a good case forward for a more regular run in the Chelsea first eleven.

French striker Nicolas Anelka had Bolton's first chance of the game when he curled a fourteenth minute effort just over the crossbar of Blues keeper Petr Cech.

The game then took an unexpected twist five minutes later when defender Michalik, making his full Bolton debut, lashed the loose ball past Cech after Andranik Teimourian had lofted a dangerous free kick into the penalty area.

Stamford Bridge was ninety percent silent but for a handful of Bolton supporters who had made the long trip down to London from the North West. However, the silence was soon lifted when the lively Kalou drew the Premiership holders level a couple of minutes later.

England left back Wayne Bridge produced a delightful cross from the left and Kalou glided the ball home past Jaaskelainen with his head to bring the Londoners back on level terms.

A few minutes later Chelsea could have taken the lead but for some quick decision making by Bolton's Jaaskelainen to tip a clearance from team mate Ricardo Gardner around the post.

Former World Footballer of the Year Andrij Shevchenko then tested the Wanderers resolve with a shot on the turn from the edge of the area which just went narrowly off target.

On the half hour mark Chelsea where forced into a change when bringing on Frank Lampard for the injured Ricardo Carvalho. African battler Michael Essien subsequently moved from the midfield to partner John Terry at the heart of the Blues defence allowing Lampard to go into his natural position alongside John Obi Mikel.

Lampard's influence boosted Chelsea somewhat and Bolton once again had their long serving custodian Jaaskelainen to thank when he produced a world class save to deny Shevchenko on the volley .

On 34 minutes Chelsea edged themselves in front when Kalou's header from a Lampard corner came crashing back off the crossbar and went in off Jaaskelainen for an own goal.

David Thompson had a half chance to bring the Trotters back into the contest shortly before the break but home keeper Petr Cech was unnerved by the effort from the little midfielder who was to be withdrawn at the interval.

Star striker Didier Drogba also entered the fray for Chelsea in place of Shevchenko but the Ivorian was snuffed out by countryman Abdoulaye Meite and young goalscorer Michalik.

Bolton began to play a more relaxed game and got their reward ten minutes after the restart when Kevin Davies headed home Gary Speed's free kick for the equaliser.

Davies has been in good form for the Trotters throughout April and has netted three valuable goals over the last month. Fellow striker Anelka wasn't as prominent today but he did work hard for the team whilst on the pitch.

Chelsea felt that Michalik should have been shown red for hauling down substitute Drogba but the referee Rob Styles issued the former FC Senec man with a caution.

Drogba was wasteful with the resulting free kick and neither he nor Frank Lampard later on could break down a Wanderers team that had defended to the maximum in the second period.

Jose Mourinho's last throw of the dice was to introduce Joe Cole but the midfielders influence was snuffed out well by Bolton's teenage debutant James Sinclair who had come on for Idan Tal with just under fifteen minutes to go.

Reserve team favourite Sinclair moved to full back and put in some impressive challenges against his more experienced opponents and this will no doubt be a plus point for Bolton's manager Allardyce.

Cesar Martin was also brought on for his Bolton debut in place of Anelka as the clocked ticked down and news of Manchester United's result at Everton coupled with the toughness of Wanderers meant that Chelsea's late title surge was all but dented.

Bolton on the other hand are back in fifth place and are looking good for a UEFA Cup spot. They must travel to relegation threatened West Ham United next weekend and then wrap up the season at the Reebok against Aston Villa.

Bolton Wanderers: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ivan Campo, Lubomir Michalik, Abdoulaye Meite, Ricardo Gardner, David Thompson (Ricardo Vaz-Te), Andranik Teimourian, Gary Speed, Idan Tal (James Sinclair), Kevin Davies, Nicolas Anelka (Cesar Martin)

Subs Not Used: Blazej Augustyn, Ali Al-Habsi (GK)

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Geremi, Ricardo Carvalho (Frank Lampard), John Terry, Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Lassana Diarra (Joe Cole), Saloman Kalou, Andriy Shevchenko (Didier Drogba)

Subs Not Used: Khalid Boulahrouz, Carlo Cudicini(GK)

Referee:

Rob Styles

Attendance:

41,105

Booked:

Ricardo Gardner (Bolton)

Kevin Davies (Bolton)

Lubomir Michalik (Bolton)

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