Bolton bounce could be short

GARY MEGSON spoke wistfully of this victory serving as a springboard for his team, but there was little conviction in his words, as a meeting with Liverpool looms large on the horizon.

At least Megson can reflect on back-to-back victories for the first time since April as a typically resilient 1-0 win at Hull yesterday followed last Sunday’s late show at home to Manchester City.

Within the space of seven days Bolton have propelled themselves out of the bottom three and into mid table, showing promising signs.

But Rafael Benitez’s rampant side are next up at the Reebok stadium for a Wanderers side beaten 3-1 and 4-0 by Liverpool last season.

In terms of gathering any momentum, Megson appreciates Liverpool are the kind of team who could stop his side dead in their tracks.

“It’s difficult to go on a run in the Premier League because at some point you are going to face one of the best teams in the world,” Megson said after his 50th game in charge.

“Liverpool are one of those teams, as they showed last year when they gave us a good hiding in both games.

“We have to try and improve on that, but then our last two results can be a springboard. We at least face them with a bit of momentum.”

If goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen continues to “play out of his skin,” then Bolton are in with a chance.

The 33-year-old Finn produced several stunning saves late on as Hull turned the screw in a bid to equalise Matt Taylor’s 50th-minute strike.

Jaaskelainen’s display helped condemn Hull to a third successive defeat, albeit one they did not deserve, following the losses to Chelsea and Manchester United.

“That was more like what I expected this league to be,” Brown said. “But then I never thought it was going to be an easy ride by any stretch of the imagination.

“It’s happy and nice when you are enjoying wins, and winning in the manner in which we have done. But to lose like we did leaves a bitter feeling.”

HULL (4-4-2): Myhill 6, McShane 6, Turner 6, Zayatte 5, Dawson 5 (Ricketts 64, 5), Boateng 6 (Folan 73, 5), Ashbee 7, Marney 6, Geovanni 7, King 7, Cousin 4 (Mendy 54, 6).

Subs Not Used: Duke, Barmby, Garcia, Halmosi.

BOLTON (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen 9, Steinsson 6, Cahill 7, A O’Brien 7, Samuel 6, Muamba 7, Gardner 6, McCann 7, Taylor 7, Elmander 6 (Smolarek 77, 6), Davies 6.

Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Helguson, Shittu, Basham, Sissons, Obadeyi.

REFEREE: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire) 6: Handled everything with authority and generally kept his cards in his pocket.

MATCH RATING: *** Hull’s heady optimism has been checked, although they were unlucky to run into an inspired Jussi Jaaskelainen.