Bolton Wanderers' unbeaten run came to a halt against table-toppers Wolverhampton Wanderers who ran out 5-1 winners at Molineux.
The hosts, who picked up their fifth successive Sky Bet Championship victory, cantered into a 2-0 half-time thanks to goals from Willy Boly and Leo Bonatini.
A penalty from Ivan Cavaleiro in the second-half increased the home side’s advantage before substitute Will Buckley reduced the arrears with his first goal in a Wanderers shirt.
But further goals from Cavaleiro and Jota ensured Wolves registered a comprehensive victory in front of their own fans.
Team News
Wanderers made just one side from the side that drew 2-2 with Reading at Macron Stadium on Tuesday evening with Mark Beevers returning from suspension to replace Reece Burke.
Phil Parkinson’s men were aiming to extend their unbeaten run to an eighth game against an in-form Wolves side flying high at the summit of the Sky Bet Championship following a four-game winning streak.
First Half
Wearing all white, Wanderers kicked the game off and fashioned a chance within seconds of getting the game underway when Josh Vela pressured Barry Douglas into losing possession inside his own penalty box. The midfielder saw Gary Madine screaming for the ball unmarked but unfortunately was unable to find the striker.
Vela and Madine combined once again with the former’s free-kick finding the head of the big striker, who was unable to get enough power on the ball to direct it beyond John Ruddy.
Madine took a blow to the head during that attempt and had to go off the field for a short while to receiving treatment and a new shirt.
But it was the hosts who took the early advantage after 13 minutes when Willy Boly powered home Douglas’ corner with a firm header that left Ben Alnwick with no chance.
Boly almost doubled his and his team’s tally with another header just four minutes later but Alnwick somehow kept him out. Wanderers then had to survive a barrage of shots after they failed to clear their lines before Antonee Robinson cleared for a corner.
Bolstered by their early goal, Wolves were trying their luck from all angles and Ivan Cavaleiro went just wide with a left footed drive after cutting in from wide.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 26th minute after Jota lofts the ball over the advancing Alnwick allowing Leo Bonatini to steer into an unguarded goal.
Wanderers looked to get back into the contest with Madine and Sammy Ameobi showing attacking intent. Madine was consistently holding up the ball well and Ameobi causing issues on the right hand with his trickery
Just before the half time whistle both managers were sent to the stands by referee Keith Stroud following a touchline remonstration moments after Wheater was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Jota.
Second Half
Both teams resumed the second half without making any changes and the hosts started as they had left off with a determination to add to their tally.
The visitors were struggling to get hold of the ball against a dominant Wolves midfield.
Bonatini should have done better when presented with a close range effort, only to see his shot deflect for a corner.
Adam Armstrong created a good chance when he sidestepped a Wolves defender but should have done better with his shot which went wide.
But Wolves increased their lead on 62 minutes when Cavaleiro sent his spot kick past Alnwick after Robinson upended Romain Saiss.
Parkinson responded with a double substitution immediately afterwards with Craig Noone and Will Buckley coming on for Ameobi and Armstrong.
Buckley pulled a goal back for Wanderers after 74 minutes after being put through by Madine following some sloppy play by the Wolves defence.
Wanderers made another attacking substitution – their final of the afternoon – with Adam Le Fondre coming on for captain Darren Pratley.
Any hopes of Wanderers getting back into the contest were soon dashed when Cavaleiro thundered his second beyond Alnwick to make it four for the hosts.
Alnwick’s kick went straight to a Wolves player and immediately out his defence on the hop. Cavaleiro evaded several tackles before picking his spot to power past the Wanderers keeper.
Jota made it five with four minutes to go after a swift counter attack saw him place the ball underneath Alnwick.
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