Newcastle United built on their impressive performance against Manchester United in the opening game of the season with a hard fought victory against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Michael Owen scored the only goal of the match 19 minutes from full time to leave Bolton ruing their luck after Kevin Nolan missed from the penalty spot in the 59th minute. Both the sides had chances to score late in the game but Newcastle hung on to their lead to claim all three points from the clash.

Bolton were on the defensive right from the kick off and very happy to sit back and soak up the pressure before venturing out on counter attacks of their own. New signing Johan Elmander limped off the field early in the game and manager Gary Megson replaced the striker with a defensive midfielder in the form of Gavin McCann.

The visitors' negative tactics meant Newcastle dominated the possession early in the game but had little to show for it as they struggled to break a solid Bolton defense. The visitors continued the second half in the same vein and looked set for an unlikely victory when they were awarded a penalty after Taylor handled the ball inside the area. However Nolan was unable to convert from the spot as Given dived low to his left to deny the midfielder.

Owen then came off the bench to make Bolton pay for their missed chance by heading home Geremi's cross at the far post to clinch the victory for his side.