BOLTON, who are still challenging for a Champions League place, took 47 minutes to break down a stubborn Sunderland in their 2-0 victory at the Reebok Stadium.

After dominating the first half Kevin Davies finally broke the deadlock just after the re-start and Kevin Nolan wrapped things up with five minutes to go.

While Bolton continue to grow, Sunderland are heading for the Coca-Cola Championship and a ridiculously low points total.

Davies found the target in midweek during the FA Cup defeat by West Ham and he caused Sunderland problems from the outset. His fifth goal of the season came at the start of the second half when he got on the end of a corner from Stelios to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Davis.

Nolan made it 2-0 in the 84th minute when he clipped the ball home at the far post after Davis had parried Speed's effort.