Sheffield Wed. 3 - 2 Bolton Wanderers: Gary Hooper double denies Bolton fightback

Posted Wednesday, January 13, 2016 by PA

Sheffield Wednesday maintained their promotion push with a 3-2 win at home to struggling Bolton after twice being pegged back.

Gary Hooper scored twice for the hosts after a wonder strike from Fernando Forestieri gave them the lead. Gary Madine and David Wheater were on target for Bolton.

Wednesday's Ross Wallace tried an early shot from distance which was comfortably saved by Ben Amos.

Hooper wasted a great chance for Wednesday, dragging his shot wide after put through on goal by Forestieri.

Moments later, Forestieri put the hosts in front in the 14th minute with a superb 30-yard effort after receiving the ball from Hooper.

As Bolton looked to make a swift response, Madine had a shot blocked and Darren Pratley's follow-up also struck a defender.

Madine equalised five minutes later when Liam Trotter's close-range effort deflected off the former Wednesday striker and the ball trickled over the line.

Atdhe Nuhiu's header was easily gathered by Amos while at the other end, Pratley fired well over following Trotter's lay-off.

Wildsmith dropped the ball following Madine's header, with Rob Holding in close attendance, before gathering at the second attempt.

Bolton's Liam Feeney then tried a curling free-kick which was not far off target.

The visitors were awarded another free-kick in a promising position at the end of the half and Feeney's effort struck the defensive wall.

Hooper wasted another good opportunity in first-half stoppage time, lifting the ball over the crossbar from inside the area following good work from Forestieri.

Early in the second half, Forestieri tried another shot from distance but this time his low drive went harmlessly wide.

Hooper restored Wednesday's lead after 52 minutes when he stabbed home Daniel Pudil's low cross. Amos got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.

Madine spurned a glorious chance to level soon after when he put his close-range header straight at Wildsmith.

The visitors drew level again after 62 minutes when Wheater met Feeney's free-kick with a flicked header and the ball looped over Wildsmith and into the roof of the net.

Hooper had another good chance, shooting well wide after finding himself in space inside the area.

Bolton went close to edging in front when Madine's header flashed just wide and Wellington Silva put a free-kick narrowly off target.

After Amos saved from Wallace, the hosts went 3-2 up when Hooper brought the ball down following Wallace's chip into the area before firing into the net.

Bolton threatened to make a quick response when good work from Wellington Silva set up Pratley who shot wide from inside the area.

A defensive slip let in Madine late on but his low shot failed to really test Wildsmith who made an easy save.

Hooper was denied a hat-trick when Amos kept out his stoppage-time effort.