BOLTON LOSE TO SCUNTHORPE AFTER SOUTHEND AWAY VICTORY

An early goal by David Mirfin ensured League One side Bolton Wanderers were the losers when they made the trip to Scunthorpe on Saturday.

The team is focused on making the playoff spot and the victory over the second placed side kept those hopes alive. The Iron were elated to get the result as they remained resolute despite the pressure from the visitors.

Scunthorpe had a slight overall ball possession over their counterparts though Bolton started strong. Six minutes before the end of the first half, Bolton had a chance to level but Conor Wilkinson sent it wide.

Neal Bishop could have scored the second of the game but his deflected attempt hit the foot of the post.

Goalkeeper Joe Anyon stopped efforts from James Henry and Max Clayton to help them keep a clean sheet in almost two months.

Bolton had scored a stoppage time goal against Southend when both sides met earlier in the week. The win lifted them ten points above third placed Fleetwood. Centre back Mark Beevers had scored from close range as the hosts failed to clear the ball after a Filipe Morais corner.

Southend had their manager Phil Brown pursued from the dugout late in the second half. Bolton used the opportunity to win their sixth out of seven games.

Fleetwood could have further closed the gap but they lost to Oldham 2-0 to remain seven points away from the Trotters. Sheffield United on the other hand continued their fine run, beating Northampton away 2-1. With six games left, they are keen on lifting the title and gaining promotion to the Championship.