Timely Davies denies Bayern victory

Kevin Davies equalised with eight minutes left to give Bolton Wanderers FC an unlikely draw at FC Bayern München.

Timely strike
Two Lukas Podolski goals either side of half-time had cancelled out Ricardo Gardner's opener for Bolton, and Bayern were dominating. But against the run of play Davies produced a timely strike to give Bolton their second Group F draw and keep them within two points of Bayern.

Early goal
Bolton had changed their manager since their opening draw with SC Braga and Gary Megson opted for Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi to start in his injury-hit side. And the visitors went ahead on eight minutes when Daniel Braaten touched on for Gardner to shoot in via a deflection and the post.

Bayern respond
Bayern did not panic and were soon on the attack with Andreas Ottl and Lukas Podolski going close, aided by the menace posed by Franck Ribéry. Davies shot narrowly wide of Oliver Kahn's post just before the half-hour, and not long after Bayern were level as Podolski started and confidently finished a move involving Ribéry and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Podolski again
Podolski nearly made another late in the first half as his back-heel found Schweinsteiger but Al-Habsi saved the initial shot and the Garmany forward screwed his second effort wide. But four minutes before the interval Bayern took the lead when Ribéry ran down the wing and flicked back for Podolski to turn in at the near post, suggesting a comeback win just as at FK Crvena Zvezda a fortnight ago.

Late drama
Al-Habsi then did superbly to deny Ribéry, who was soon replaced by Belgrade matchwinner Toni Kroos, and the goalkeeper also tipped over from Schweinsteiger. But as time ran out it was Bolton who struck, Kevin Nolan setting up Davies to shoot past Kahn.