Premiership: Leeds with two-goal half-time cushion

Bolton 0, Leeds 2 (half-time)

Robbie Fowler gave Leeds take a two-goal half-time cushion in their Premiership clash with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Leeds made a blistering start and took the lead after only a minute to stun the home fans.

Robbie Fowler found the target after an incisive move involving Alan Smith and David Batty. The former Liverpool striker made a yard of space for himself before tucking the ball into the corner beyond keeper Jussi Jasskelainen.

Leeds were forced to make a change after just six minutes when Eirik Bakke was replaced by Jason Wilcox.

Bakke was left struggling following a challenge from Paul Warhurst in the opening seconds of the game.

Bolton were stung by that opening goal and swept forward in the 12th minute.

Simon Charlton picked out Kevin Nolan but his shot went high over the top.

Warhurst then picked up the first yellow card of the game for a stiff challenge on Bowyer.

Fowler added his second goal of the game in the 16th minute with another clinical finish after Mark Viduka had delivered the ball into his path.

Leeds central defender Jonathan Woodgate made his first start in 10 weeks - he last lined out against Leicester in the Worthington Cup in October and made his first Premiership appearance of the season, two weeks after the end of the trial at Hull Crown Court.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer was also included in the side after successfully coming through an early morning fitness test on his troubled hamstring.

Bolton were again without skipper Gudni Bergsson, who has a hamstring injury and Djibril Diawara was preferred to Colin Hendry at the back.

Just before the half-time whistle Dominic Matteo was forced off through injury and was replaced by Ian Harte.