Green blunders hand Wanderers win

6:40pm Sunday 5th October 2008

England keeper Robert Green's blunder helped Bolton on their way to a 3-1 victory over high-flying West Ham at Upton Park which ended Gianfranco Zola's 100% Premier league record.

The normally reliable Hammers number one lost his grip in the wet conditions on the half-hour mark as he dropped the ball at the feet of Kevin Davies, who hooked it into an empty net. Green then failed push a low shot wide enough, with Gary Cahill bundling in from close range.

The Hammers, who could have gone top of the table with a victory, got a lifeline through Carlton Cole on the hour, but substitute Matt Taylor made sure of an away win with a 30-yard free-kick four minutes from time.

The visitors, who started proceedings out of the relegation zone only on goal difference, sent in couple of high balls into the penalty area to test Green, in a sign of things to come.

And it was Bolton who took the lead on the half-hour following a bad error by Green. The keeper came to the edge of his area to make what should have been a routine collection from a high ball. However, the England squad man fumbled and promptly dropped the ball right at the feet of Davies, who hooked it into an empty net.

Before the Hammers had time to regroup, they were further behind. A free-kick into the penalty area was headed out, but only as far as Gretar Rafn Steinsson, who sent in a fierce low strike.

Green got down quickly to make a decent reaction save - but the ball broke lose and Cahill was on hand to prod it over the line.

West Ham looked to find an early way back into the match following the restart, but despite continued possession, the home side again lacked ideas in the final third.

The Hammers then had a lifeline after 68 minutes. Matthew Etherington's corner from the right was nodded back into the six-yard box where Cole arrived to head the ball in off the underside of the crossbar and chalk up a fourth goal of the season.

However, Bolton sealed a first away victory of the campaign when substitute Taylor smashed in a 30-yard free-kick four minutes from time.

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