Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion

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Bolton teenager Zach CloughImage source, PA
Image caption,

Bolton teenager Zach Clough has scored six goals since making his debut in January 2015.

Zach Clough scored his sixth goal in nine matches as Bolton ended a three-match losing run with victory over Brighton.

Clough, 19, slotted home from 12 yards after Josh Vela's through ball as Bolton scored on the counter-attack.

Bolton were indebted to keeper Ben Amos - on loan from Manchester United - for a series of saves.

The win lifted Bolton to 17th and above Brighton, who suffered their first defeat in five matches.

Chris Hughton's visitors started confidently and should have taken the lead in the first five minutes. Sam Baldock escaped his markers at the far post but his close range effort was superbly turned aside by Amos.

After the break, Amos saved to deny Craig Mackail-Smith, getting the ball and team-mate Liam Feeney at the same time.

Feeney needed treatment before being able to briefly continue and the stoppage appeared to upset the visitors' concentration as Wanderers broke and snatched the winning goal.

Vela, moved into midfield from full-back at half-time, threaded the ball through and Clough finished.

Brighton threw plenty of men forward in the final 20 minutes and Bolton had to defend well, but Neil Lennon's side held on to their narrow lead.

Bolton manager Neil Lennon:

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Lennon on Bolton v Brighton

"[Losing] is something I have not been used to so it's a test of character as a manager to see what you have got.

"So, I am glad we won. I wasn't overly enamoured with the performance but the result was the most important thing.

"You could tell we were edgy because of the run we have been on but second half we were a lot better and I thought we deserved to win the game.

"It was a great finish, from Zach. He is probably not had a look where the keeper was. But it is instinctive; it is natural and it is something you cannot coach."

Brighton manager Chris Hughton:

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Chris Hughton: Brighton boss after defeat by Bolton

"I don't feel it is a game we deserved to lose. But we probably had to do more to go and win it.

"The clear-cut chances were minimal for both sides. We had a period where I didn't think we were going to concede and it was going to be the team that showed a bit of quality would turn the game in their favour.

"And it was one real bit of quality that changed the game. It is disappointing because we didn't reach the heights, especially in front of goal, we have in the last couple of games.

"I certainly don't think Bolton were any better than us but they got the break when it counted."

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