Bolton Wanderers are off the mark in the new Premier League season with a comfortable 3-1 victory over newly promoted Stoke City at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Bolton scored three goals in space of 11 first half minutes as Gretar Steinsson, Kevin Davies and new signing Johan Elmander were all on target to put Bolton in a very strong position for the remainder of the match. Stoke scored a consolation goal through Ricardo Fuller in the final minute of the match but it was too little too late for the Potters as Bolton secured all three points from the match.

It was a spirited display from Bolton who were keen to avoid yet another poor start after having flirted with relegation for much of the last season. Record signing Elmander put up a brilliant display up front as the Stoke defense struggled to deal with the Swedish striker who combined very well with Kevin Nolan and Davies.

After a quiet opening to the match, Bolton took the lead in the 34th minute when Steinsson's attempted cross from the right flank flew over Thomas Sorensen and into the far corner. The goal provided a much needed boost for the Bolton side who doubled the lead seven minutes later when Davis raced past two Stoke defender to slot home a Gary Cahill free kick and it was game over on the stroke of half time when Elmander was the first to reach Joey O'Brien's free kick to score on his debut.

Bolton settled down in the second half, content to play a counter attacking game as Stoke pulled one back in the final minute of the match when Fuller headed home from close range to provide some respectability to the score line.