Holdsworth hat-trick sends Bolton through

BOLTON blitzed Scunthorpe United, a side 55 league places below them, with a five goal blast, to set up a fifth round clash with the winners of the replay between neighbours Blackburn Rovers and Derby County.

It was the perfect blend of experience and youth that brought an end to the Iron's brave cup run. A hat-trick from Dean Holdsworth and a pair from teenager Kevin Nolan dashed the hopes of Brian Laws' men and their 3,000 vocal supporters.

After a lively opening quarter which saw both sides miss chances, the game burst into life with three goals in four minutes.

On 26 minutes Nicky Summerbee, making his home debut for the Trotters, cleverly picked out Holdsworth at the far post. He rose above two defenders to open the scoring. Two minutes later the two were involved again as Summerbee's corner was met by Holdsworth to double the home side's advantage.

Plucky Scunthorpe however, fought back immediately. As Steve Banks parried a shot from livewire Lee Hodges and Guy Ipoua scuffed his shot, the ball ran to Alex Calvo Garcia. The Spaniard tapped in from close range.

Three minutes into the second period, Holdsworth completed a hat-trick of headers as Bolton assumed control.

As the former Wimbledon striker left the field to a standing ovation in the 50th minute, the cheers continued as Per Frandsen set up Nolan who raced clear and shot past the advancing Evans.

Scunthorpe never gave up and even had a second half effort headed off the line with Banks beaten but never threatened to repeat the heroics of the previous round which saw them defeat Burnley. And it was no surprise when Nolan grabbed his second and the team's fifth on 74 minutes.