Leaders Plymouth missed a chance to go seven points clear at the top of League One after sharing a 0-0 draw with play-off contenders Bolton.
But Steven Schumacher’s side, who finished with 10 men after captain Joe Edwards’ late dismissal, are still five ahead of second-placed Sheffield Wednesday.
The Devon side might have snatched victory late on only for Argyle old boy Will Aimson to clear off the line from the visitors’ recent New Zealand recruit Ben Waine.
In a rip-roaring finish, fifth-placed Bolton also went close to a first goal and first win over their opponents since January 1993.
Instead, substitute Elias Kachunga’s low drive hit an upright with goalkeeper Michael Cooper beaten.
Cooper earlier came to the Home Park side’s rescue, saving a point-blank effort from Jon-Dadi Bodvarsson.
In a bad-tempered finale with Bolton angered by Plymouth’s perceived time-wasting tactics, Trotters boss Ian Evatt was booked by referee Declan Bourne.
Then, as six minutes of stoppage time drew to a close, Pilgrims skipper Edwards received his second yellow card of the game for a foul on Owen Beck.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
Line-ups
Bolton
Formation 3-4-1-2
- 19Trafford
- 18Total
- 15Aimson
- 6johnston
- 21Bradley
- 16Morley
- 22Dempsey
- 27WilliamsSubstituted forBeckat 75′minutes
- 20LeeSubstituted forSheehanat 80′minutes
- 9BödvarssonBooked at 70minsSubstituted forBakayokoat 80′minutes
- 10CharlesSubstituted forKachungaat 75′minutes
Substitutes
- 2Jones
- 4Williams
- 7Sadlier
- 8Sheehan
- 11Bakayoko
- 24Kachunga
- 30Beck
Plymouth
Formation 3-4-2-1
- 1CooperBooked at 90mins
- 5WilsonBooked at 70mins
- 6Scarr
- 21LonwijkSubstituted forGillespheyat 57′minutes
- 17MumbaSubstituted forEarleyat 90+2′minutes
- 4Houghton
- 20Randell
- 8EdwardsBooked at 90mins
- 26WrightSubstituted forWaineat 66′minutes
- 10MayorSubstituted forMateteat 66′minutes
- 16CosgroveSubstituted forHardieat 57′minutes
Substitutes
- 3Gillesphey
- 7Butcher
- 9Hardie
- 23Waine
- 24Earley
- 25Burton
- 28Matete
- Referees:
- Declan Bourne
- Attendance:
- 18.638
Live Text
-
Match ends, Bolton Wanderers 0, Plymouth Argyle 0.
-
Second Half ends, Bolton Wanderers 0, Plymouth Argyle 0.
-
Attempt saved. George Johnston (Bolton Wanderers) header from the left side of the box is saved in the center of the goal. Assisted by Kyle Dempsey.
-
Attempt missed. Kyle Dempsey (Bolton Wanderers) header from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Aaron Morley with a cross following a set piece situation.
-
Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
-
Foul by Saxon Earley (Plymouth Argyle).
-
Second yellow card to Joe Edwards (Plymouth Argyle) for a bad foul.
-
Owen Beck (Bolton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the left wing.
-
Foul by Joe Edwards (Plymouth Argyle).
-
Michael Cooper (Plymouth Argyle) is shown the yellow card.
-
Offside, Bolton Wanderers. George Johnston tries a through ball, but Owen Beck is caught offside.
-
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
-
Delay in match due to an injury Adam Randell (Plymouth Argyle).
-
Attempt blocked. Jay Matete (Plymouth Argyle) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Adam Randell.
-
Substitution, Plymouth Argyle. Saxon Earley replaces Bali Mumba because of an injury.
-
Corners, Bolton Wanderers. Granted by Dan Scarr.
-
Elias Kachunga (Bolton Wanderers) hits the left post with a right footed shot from the center of the box. Assisted by Owen Beck.
-
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
-
Delay in match (Bolton Wanderers).
-
Attempt blocked. Ben Waine (Plymouth Argyle) header from the center of the box is blocked. Assisted by Adam Randell.
