MX23RW : Thursday, January 3 13:42:41

Result: Jack Butland in fine form to earn Stoke a point at Bolton

Result: Jack Butland in fine form to earn Stoke a point at Bolton
© Reuters
The England goalkeeper produced two crucial saves.

Jack Butland produced two fine saves to earn Stoke City a 0-0 Betfred Championship draw at battling Bolton.

The Potters' keeper stopped Christian Doidge's shot in the first half and then denied centre half Mark Beevers late on.

In contrast, Butland's opposite number, Ben Alnwick, was rarely troubled as Stoke failed to score for a second successive game.

Wanderers' latest point lifted Phil Parkinson's side out of the bottom three ahead of a New Year's Day trip to Hull.

Both teams made two changes to their starting line-ups from the Boxing Day games against Rotherham and Birmingham.

Wanderers' 2-1 win over the Millers was their first in 14 games though they started against Stoke without match winner Gary O'Neil through injury.

City, who dropped Martina and Berahino to the bench, were hoping to return to winning ways after a 2-0 reverse at Birmingham.

Rowett's men started brightly, dominating possession against a Wanderers side giving a first start since October 6 to left back Jonathan Grounds.

One-time Bolton loanee, Benik Afobe, crossed from the right but James McLean's header was well saved by Alnwick.

Sam Clucas then mis-hit a shot after Tom Ince worked an opening on the Wanderers' left.

For all their possession, however, Stoke's passing lacked penetration and direction making it easy for Bolton to defend their penalty area.

And it was the home side who fashioned the better chances as the half drew to a close.

Twice, Josh Vela – O'Neil's replacement – tried his luck but each time his right foot shots lacked power.

And it needed a fine save by Butland too keep Stoke on terms. Striker Doidge's right-foot effort was heading towards the top corner until Butland diverted it away for a corner.

Bolton started the second half on the front foot with the impressive Joe Williams chipping an angled shot onto the roof of Butland's net.

Doidge then curled a right-foot shot goalwards but didn't get the bend on the ball he had hoped for.

Clayton Donaldson's yellow card and follow-up foul signalled the end of his afternoon with Josh Magennis replacing the veteran striker.

City boss Gary Rowett eventually made his own changes taking off Tom Ince and Sam Clucas and introducing Peter Etebo and Tyrese Campbell.

With 10 minutes left, Stoke made their final switch with Afobe going off and Peter Crouch coming on.

But it was Bolton who again went closest to breaking the deadlock. And again it was Butland who came to City's rescue.

Magennis crossed to the back post where Beevers rose highest to head goalwards. But with the ball heading to the bottom corner, Butland made a brilliant save.

And it wasn't until stoppage time when Stoke managed one final chance with substitute Campbell shooting wide from distance.

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds26156544281651
2Norwich CityNorwich26147548341449
3Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd26145745281747
4West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom26137654342046
5Middlesbrough261110528181043
6Derby CountyDerby2612773832643
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest26912539291039
8Birmingham CityBirmingham26912538281039
9Queens Park RangersQPR2611693334-139
10Aston Villa2691164940938
11Bristol City2610883228438
12Swansea CitySwansea26106103531436
13Hull City26106103633336
14Stoke CityStoke2681173031-135
15Blackburn RoversBlackburn2681083341-834
16Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds2688103242-1032
17Preston North EndPreston2678113843-529
18Brentford26610103636028
19Millwall2677123341-828
20Wigan AthleticWigan2675142540-1526
21Rotherham UnitedRotherham26510112541-1625
22Bolton WanderersBolton2657141738-2122
23Reading2648142841-1320
24Ipswich TownIpswich2629152146-2515

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