Bolton, Fulham battle to draw

Two relegation battling sides battled away to a bore draw in the Premiership tonight, as Fulham and Bolton drew 0-0. Bolton looked worryingly inept in front of goal as they seem to be missing Nicolas Anelka more than ever.

The former Inter Milan, Blackburn, Switzerland and Finland head coach replaced Lawrie Sanchez last month with a simple brief from owner Mohamed Al Fayed to save the Cottages from the drop.

But Hodgson, 60, arrived at the Reebok Stadium having presided over a disastrous run of three straight league defeats and a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of League one side Bristol Rovers.

The nearest to an opening came from a falling volley from Gretar Steinsson, who represents an investment of £3.5 million of the money raised by Anelka's sale. On this evidence, it appears to be well spent.

However, Fulham were well worth their point against Bolton and encouragingly for Hodgson, new signings Brede Hangeland and Leon Andreasen made impressive debuts.