Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham City: An eventful affair

Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City face each other tonight, with both sides desperate to stay in The Championship. How the match plays out could prove vital as to whether either side stays up.

Over the years, there have been some memorable meetings between the two sides. Here are some from the last few years:

2005 - Birmingham City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers: The kickstart Wanderers needed

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The 2004/2005 season will forever be remembered as Wanderers’ best Premier League season. Finishing 6th meant qualifying for the UEFA Cup for the first time in the clubs’ history. However, that looked a distant dream midway through the season. A ten game winless run (although we did draw at Chelsea in that time) had temporarily derailed the European dream. The rotten run was put to an end at St Andrews, as goals from El-Hadji Diouf and Kevin Nolan handed Wanderers a priceless 2-1 win.

2010 - Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Birmingham City: Baywatch

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The 2009/2010 season was a forgettable one for Wanderers. Gary Megson was replaced by Owen Coyle, who steered Bolton to safety. The season ended with a 2-1 win against Birmingham City (who finished 9th that year). The game itself isn’t too memorable, as a pitch invader dressed as Pamela Anderson stole the show.

2010 - Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Birmingham City: Jussi’s caught red handed

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Later that year in the 2010/2011 season, Wanderers played Birmingham early on in the season. The game is best remembered for the red card shown to Bolton legend, Jussi Jaaskelainen. Jussi was sent off for slapping Brum defender Roger Johnson. Wanderers then went down 2-0, before a Robbie Blake special saved them a point late on.

2011 - Birmingham City 2-3 Bolton Wanderers: Chungy’s finest moment

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When Wanderers fans think of Birmingham City, this is the game that instantly comes to mind. It was the 2011 Quarter-Final of the FA Cup and Wanderers were drawing with Birmingham 2-2. With the game heading for a replay, Lee Chung-yong scored a last minute header to send Bolton to Wembley. Cue mass hysteria from the travelling fans, who will never forget a moment like that.

2014 - Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Birmingham City: The Paul Caddis game

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This game was huge for Birmingham City, so much so you can still buy a DVD of it from their club shop. It was the last game of the 2013/2014 season, and The Blues needed a result to stay in the Championship. Luckily for Birmingham, Paul Caddis scored a late equaliser to secure Birmingham’s Championship status.

2014 - Birmingham City 0-1 Bolton Wanderers: Welcome to Bolton, Neil Lennon

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Neil Lennon’s debut game as Bolton manager was certainly eventful. A Matt Mills header ensured that Lennon won his debut game 1-0. Craig Davies also missed a late penalty when Lee Novak had to deputise in goal. Neil Lennon was also sent to the stands late on, something which the bookies were giving odds of 16/1 to happen.