On this day: Kanu strike against Bolton eases Portsmouth's relegation fears

Pompey took a huge step towards retaining their Premier League status as they deservedly overcame Bolton Wanderers 1-0 in front of 20,158 at Fratton Park.

The decisive moment came late in the second half thanks to the faintest of touches from Kanu.

The Blues began in determined mood and totally dominated the first half.

Glen Johnson was playing in an unusual midfield role, and forced visiting keeper Jussi Jaaskelanen into making three fine saves.

Bolton’s only chance fell to Johan Elmander but David James saved brilliantly.

The influential Niko Kranjcar was stretchered off in the 78th minute.

But seconds later his replacement, Nadir Belhadj, took a corner and Nigerian international Kanu – himself a sub – applied the finishing touch to secure Pompey the three points on offer.

Pompey: David James, Younes Kaboul (Jermaine Pennant), Sol Campbell, Sylvain Distin, Hermann Hreidarsson, Glen Johnson, Sean Davis, Hayden Mullins, David Nugent (Kanu), Niko Kranjcar (Nadir Belhadj), Peter Crouch.

The Blues’ youth team’s never-say-die attitude helped them net maximum points against a Reading side who staged their own impressive comeback which eventually came to nothing.

Perry Ryan and Tero Mantyla put Pompey two goals ahead, but the young Royals found themselves leading 3-2 after Pompey had twice struck the woodwork.

However, the Blues went on to win the match 4-3 thanks to another strike from Ryan and a goal from Nadir Ciftci.

A second-half strike from Liam Lawrence helped Stoke take a major step towards Premier League safety – an effort that saw Tony Pulis’ team record a 1-0 win against Blackburn.

Middlesbrough’s survival bid suffered a major blow, though, after they were held to a goalless draw at home by Fulham.

Wolves secured a 1-0 victory at home to QPR to keep them six points clear at the top of the Championship.

Southampton moved closer to the drop after being beaten 2-0 by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Luke Varney scored both goals.

In League Two, Brett Pitman was on target for AFC Bournemouth in a 2-0 win away to Chester.

Aldershot were beaten 3-0 by Wycombe wanderers at Adams Park.

In the Wessex League premier division, Jamie Laidlaw and Kevin Murphy were the goalscorers in Moneyfields’ 2-0 win at home to New Milton.

Fareham were denied all three points at Cowes following an unbelievable fightback from the Yachtsmen, who somehow managed to secure a 3-3 draw.

In the BSB Southern League south/west two division, goals from Graham Lindsey helped Gosport to a 2-1 victory at Bridgwater.

The Hawks went down 1-0 away to Bishop’s Stortford in the Blue square North, while Bognor failed to end their home campaign with a win.

Instead, they battled out a forgettable goalless draw with Dorchester.