Having guided Burnley to EPL success at home to Manchester United last season, Bolton manager Owen Coyle was approaching a prestigious double when his Wanderers side led United going into the last quarter at the Reebok last Sunday.

But Johann Elmander’s miss midway through the half was quickly punished by Michael Owen’s 74^th-minute glancing header, and Coyle had to content himself with the draw.

But he was content, especially with the display of Bulgarian wideman Martin Petrov and his goal, which put the Trotters 2-1 ahead. Coyle said: “That chance would never have come if he had not driven 40 or 50 yards and beaten three or four men.”

 

Coyle also added: “It’s great for the Premier League that a lot of teams believe they can win against the elite clubs.”

Sunday will have been a boost for Coyle after his unsuccessful return to his Burnley hunting ground in the Carling Cup, where the Trotters were beaten 1-0.

Coyle got a rough reception from the home crowd, who have not forgiven him for leaving Burnley for Bolton last season, and was flanked by stewards to and from the dug-out.

United States international Stuart Holden has signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2013.

The 25-year-old Scottish-born midfielder signed from Houston Dynamo in January. But he broke his leg in March but has established himself this season, having started all six EPL games so far this season.

Wanderers visit West Bromwich Albion in the EPL this Saturday.