Bolton Wanderers hopes of avoid relegation received a big boost when they notched up a second straight victory with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Gavin McCann scored the only goal of the match just past the hour mark as Bolton saw through a bright start by Boro who should have had put the result beyond doubt after creating a number of good chances in the first half.

Middlesbrough were quickly out of the blocks after the kick off and could have taken the lead in the opening minute itself had Al Habsi failed to keep out David Wheater's stinging volley. The Bolton keeper was in top form as he pulled off a stunning save to deny Sanli Tuncay minutes later before denying Afonso Alves.

Bolton settled down midway through the first half and though they enjoyed some possession, they were unable to break past the Boro defense. However the visitors stepped up the pressure in the second half and almost took the lead with Rasiak and Taylor both hitting the post.

Bolton took a deserved lead in the 61st minute when Gary Cahill's shot was saved by Turned but McCann latched on to the rebound to slot home from close range. Boro pressed forward in search of the equalizer but Bolton hung on to claim vital three points to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.