Campo misses cost Bolton escape from drop zone Written by: AFP  |  |
| | Gary Megsonīs hopes of securing his first win in charge of Bolton were dashed as fans favourite Ivan Campo, seen here in May 2006, failed to take two second-half chances to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough. |
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LONDON (AFP) - Gary Megson's hopes of securing his first win in charge of Bolton were dashed as fans favourite Ivan Campo failed to take two second-half chances to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough.
Campo was back in the starting line-up after sitting out the 2-2 midweek draw at Bayern Munich because Megson's predecessor as manager, Sammy Lee, had not registered him for the UEFA Cup.
The experienced Spaniard's return to the fold has been warmly welcomed by the Bolton fans but they were left with their heads in their hands just after the hour mark when, unmarked at the back post, he somehow directed a chip from Kevin Davies wide.
Then, in the closing minutes, Campo got on the end of Andy O'Brien's inviting cross only to head straight into the arms of relieved Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
The draw leaves Bolton in the relegation zone having won only once in 13 league games this season, but Boro are scarcely any better placed with Gareth Southgate's side just two points clear of the drop zone.
Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, Abdoulaye Meite and Gary Speed joined Campo in returning to action for Bolton, while Southgate brought in George Boateng in place of Fabio Rochemback.
Injury and suspension deprived the home side of the services of Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf and the importance of the duo's finishing was underlined when Bolton's first clear chance fell to midfielder Danny Guthrie, who blazed his effort over.
Speed went closer with a 16th-minute free-kick that caught Schwarzer unawares but finished in the side-netting.
That was the best the home side could muster until, right on the stroke of half-time, Davies fired a shot narrowly wide.
Boro looked content to settle for a draw after the break and Campo's waywardness ensured they were not punished for that cautious approach.