Wanderers’ automatic promotion bid held up by Shakers

BOLTON’S bid to secure the remaining automatic League One promotion place stuttered again last night as they were held to a 0-0 draw by struggling Bury.

But it could prove to be a precious point for the Shakers, who now sit two points clear of the drop zone – although Port Vale immediately below them do have a game in hand.

Second-placed Bolton are now winless in three games and are just two points ahead of third-placed Fleetwood with two matches remaining.

But victory at Vale on Saturday – married with a defeat for Fleetwood at Gillingham – would still secure Bolton’s instant return back to the Championship.

A Trotters win would also help out Bury, who are at home to Northampton as they battle to stay in the division.

It was far from a blistering local derby, and although hosts Bolton edged a tight first-half, Bury went closest to scoring as James Vaughan’s header was tipped over the bar by Mark Howard.

After Joe Murphy saved a long-range volley from David Wheater, Bolton almost took the lead when Adam Le Fondre’s strike hit the underside of the bar. Filipe Morais’ free-kick also went close in the dying minutes for the Trotters.

Bolton boss Phil Parkinson said: “it was always going to be a tight game with it being a local derby. We have had enough opportunities but it wasn’t to be.

“But we are still two points clear with a better goal difference. We just have to keep chipping away.”