Despite a domineering performance from the Wanderers, the visitors somehow engineered an unlikely victory.

Bolton had chance after chance and Portsmouth did not have many answers, however Diarra converted Pompey's only meaningful attack with only 10 minutes remaining. Even at the death, Cohen almost snatched an equaliser but David James showed why he is still England's number one keeper with a stunning point-blank range save.  Many Bolton fans stayed behind to cheer their team off the pitch before going home to wonder how their side came away from this encounter without any points... or goals.

Steinsson, Diouf and Campo linked well throughout the game on the right-hand side, with new signing Steinsson particularly impressing.  It was the right-back who provided the first chance after only 4 minutes, crossing well for Davies who's powerful shot was saved by James.

Matt Taylor seemed determined to make Portsmouth pay for selling him and was involved in most of Bolton's best chances.  Taylor's free-kick from 30 yards went high and wide after a foul on Guthrie.

Steinsson crossed again from the right and side minutes later with the ball falling to Kevin Davies but the striker got the direction but not the power to trouble James.

After half an hour, Taylor had the best chance of the game and a perfect opportunity to get one over on his old team mates; Kevin Davies delivered a superb ball, but Taylor somehow but the ball well over from only 3 yards out. This did nothing to dampen Bolton's spirits however as the onslought continued throughout the game.

Captain Kevin Nolan got in on the act with a solid strike from 20 yards but the shot went just wide. Bolton went in at half-time by far the happier of the teams and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp must have been delighted it was goalless.

Despite the teamtalks, the second half carried on in the same vein as the first, with Bolton launching attack after attack. Pompey through on Kanu for Baros to try to change things but Bolton still dominated. Davies' cross found Taylor again but he dragged his shot wide.

Diouf on his return from the African Cup of Nations fired a volley over James' goal after Davies chested the ball to him following a Cahill long ball.

On the hour, Raziak made his home debut replacing Diouf who had gone quiet following his first half efforts. It was the new-boy who had a good chance to open his account for his new team, but his shot although well struck was beaten away to safety by James.

Two minutes later, Bolton almost had the ball in the net but Hriedarsson cleared off the line after Cahill steered the ball goal-bound.

Portsmouth just showed hints of sneaking the win with 15 mins remaining after having 2 good chances in a row by Defoe and Diarra but Jussi was equal to them.

This must have whetted the appetite of Diarra because minutes later came the sucker punch which was always on the cards while the scores were still level.  Diarra raced forward and attempted a one-two with Kanu, the ball took several deflections before landing very kindly for the defender before he crashed the shot past the helpless Jussi Jaaskelainen who couldn't do much about it.  Diarra was in an offside position when he got the ball but it wasn't immediately clear whether Kanu or a Bolton defender got the important touch on the ball.

The goal sent the visiting fans into raptures and while Diarra celebrated by getting high-fives from his manager, Gary Megson must have been furious that his side were behind.

Cohen came on as sub and he almost got a much deserved goal right in time added on, but James broke the hearts of the Reebok faithful.