Ricketts winner gives McClaren headache

The goal stung Boro, who had looked a more solid proposition than the side that conceded four goals at home to Arsenal and must have felt they were heading into the interval on level pegging.

Ince, in particular, was so furious that he almost carved out an instant equaliser for his side, surging to the byline on the right side of Bolton?s six-yard box to pull back a superb cross that Brian Deane met with a meaty diving header that was bound for the net had veteran centre-back Gudni Bergsson not been perfectly positioned to clear his line.

Bolton had dominated the game before then yet never threatened to repeat their Filbert Street spree at the expense of a Boro defence in which Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate showed their international pedigrees.

Schwarzer survived an early scare when Hansen?s fierce angled drive bounced off his chest as he failed to gather, the ball trickling harmlessly for a corner, but all Southgate?s ability and timing was needed for the precision tackle that robbed Ricketts in the penalty area soon after.

When Nolan did well to send Ricketts scampering through Boro?s defence, it was Ehiogu?s turn to take responsibility and head the young striker off into a blind alley by the corner flag.

Deane reminded Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen that he was in a match when he was inches from reaching Ince?s cross in front of goal but Schwarzer?s goalmouth saw much more activity, even if it was frustratingly unfruitful for Bolton until Ricketts?s rocket.

The first half was particularly annoying for Bolton full-back Simon Charlton, who saw his superb run down the left wasted by a toocasual cross from Ricardo Gardner and then belted a piledriver of a rising free-kick just too far north of Schwarzer?s crossbar.

Hansen, one of Bolton?s livelier performers, should have put Allardyce?s men in a more comfortable position in the 55th minute but he contrived to fire wide.

Ricketts continued his own personal search for goals and his appetite was almost Ehiogu's undoing when the former Aston Villa defender brought him down in full flight heading for Schwarzer's goal.

Referee Steve Dunn did not agree with Bolton fans? demand for a red card, merely issuing a yellow to avoid further controversy after David Elleray?s eccentricities 24 hours earlier at Everton.