Bolton down to complete year of chaos

This was an occasion of contrasting emotions for teams heading in opposite directions.

For Bolton Wanderers, defeat brought confirmation of a relegation that has looked inevitable for some time. For Aston Villa, a recordequalling ninth successive victory added to the promise this season can end in promotion.

Once again Jack Grealish was the instigator. he scored the first with a far-post header, then made the second for Tammy Abraham through a delightful piece of skill. Abraham injured himself in the act of scoring and trudged off nursing his shoulder to prompt concern for manager Dean smith ahead of a likely play-off campaign.

The worries at Bolton run much deeper of course. On Wednesday the club were hours away from administration before Laurence Bassini completed his takeover, subject to EFL approval, and the new owner was at the University of Bolton stadium to watch his team slip into League One.

Moving on from the abysmal regime of Ken Anderson is a positive step but the debts and reputational damage remain. Bassini’s three-year ban from being in a position of authority at a club following his role at Watford in 2013 means optimism is tempered.

Bolton’s players have still not been paid this month — three weeks late — and while ‘significant funds’ will be made available once the deal goes through officially, manager Phil Parkinson knows only too well the huge job ahead. ‘it’s been a chaotic year,’ said Parkinson (right). ‘ The problems have weighed everyone down. Mr Bassini has got a lot of work to do.’ Whether Parkinson will be a part of it is uncertain. he led Bolton to promotion in his first season in charge but admitted this year had been ‘draining’. he added: ‘i’ll have a good chat with the new owner in the coming weeks. And i’ll sit down with my family.’

With Villa in irrepressible form this always appeared the match to send Bolton down. Anwar El Ghazi missed badly from Grealish’s low cross and John McGinn saw his header cleared off the line but after the break Villa showed their class.

Abraham delivered a deep cross that found Grealish for a simple header, his fourth goal in eight games. Alnwick then saved from Grealish and Tyrone Mings as Villa cranked up the tempo.

McGinn chipped forwards as Grealish ran behind and though the ball bounced awkwardly he managed to flick it back to Abraham. The Villa striker delivered a diving header for his 25th goal of the season. smith said the medics would need to examine his injury before determining his absence. Not since 1910 have Villa won nine in a row and the 4,569 fans who travelled here sung as if convinced this repeat will be worth something meaningful. ‘No living person will have seen the last run,’ smith said. ‘i am proud of the players.’