We are worthy of second: Allardyce

YOU won't get him to admit it of course, but Sam Allardyce must be starting to think about life in the Premiership.

Another stunning result keeps Wanderers on the tails of leaders Fulham in second spot and even Allardyce couldn't hide his delight after a rout at Hillsborough.

"My only criticism was that we didn't finish them off sooner but apart from that it was fantastic, a tremendous performance from start to finish," said the Bolton boss.

"We showed we are worthy of second spot although I think we are competing for one automatic place now -- we don't give up but top spot looks to be Fulhams."

Ten wins out of 12 and only one goal conceded in nine, tells its own story for a Bolton side also showing themselves capable of lots of goals, 49 now in the league.

They were set on their way by Ricardo Gardner who raced clear of a flat-footed Wednesday defence after 19 minutes.

With five minutes of the half remaining Wanderers doubled their lead. A delightful crossfield ball from Bo Hansen broke the Owls' defence in two, and Michael Ricketts was given time to control and fire a shot beyond the despairing reach of Beresford.

After the break Bolton threatened to extend their lead but were denied by some excellent keeping from Beresford, who was making his home debut.

Gudni Bergsson's fierce 20-yard shot stung the hands of the on-loan shot-stopper. Minutes later a Per Frandsen free-kick from the edge of the area was well gathered by former Burnley keeper Marlon Beresford. For a brief spell Wednesday responded to put Bolton on the back foot and Gerald Sibon was unlucky with a shot that hit the crossbar.

It was left to Michael Ricketts to steady things up with his 16th goal of the season.

But Bolton were far from finished and veteran substitute Ian Marshall turned on a sixpence to beat Beresford at the near post from a throw-in from Robbie Elliott.