Half-Time Report: Bolton Wanderers respond in four-goal first period

Bolton Wanderers have come from 2-0 down to draw level with Blackpool in a frenetic first 45 minutes at the Reebok Stadium to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The visitors had two gilt-edged chances in the first five minutes, with Matt Phillips twice failing to hit the target from close range.

Darren Pratley then went close to turning into his own net as Bolton made a nervous start to the match.

The home side responded strongly as Craig Davies hooked a volley wide from close range.

Mikel Alonso then drove past the far post from range as Bolton struggled to test Matt Gilks in the opening exchanges.

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes by a fine Blackpool move as Wanderers were carved open by a sweeping counter.

A neat interchange of passes found Phillips just outside the penalty area and he curled an unstoppable drive into the top corner.

Things got worse for Bolton before the break as Blackpool went two ahead when Ludovic Sylvestre turned home Neal Eardley's cross for his fourth goal of the season.

Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman made an early change as Marvin Sordell replaced Rob Hall, with Chris Eagles halving the deficit quickly with a thumping strike.

A rapid turnaround was complete just before the interval as a deflected effort from Davies beat Gilks via a touch from Eardley to draw the home side level.