BOLTON 2 YEOVIL 1

BOLTON boss Sam Allardyce was mightily relieved when his golden boy Michael Ricketts again turned up trumps to shatter the FA Cup dream of Yeovil.

Allardyce's decision to leave out seven recognised stars almost backfired and it was left to Ricketts to emerge once again as a last-gasp hero.

Yeovil gave Premiership-chasing Wanderers more than a run for their money and a major upset was on the cards when Warren Patmore latched onto a pass to shoot the Conference leaders ahead after 24 minutes.

Poor goalkeeping from Tony Pennock allowed John O'Kane to squeeze home an equaliser on the stroke of half time.

But the keeper more than made amends with a series of fine saves until he was finally left for dead in injury time, Ricketts smashing the ball home after getting on the end of a free kick.

Allardyce stuck by his decision afterwards but admitted the non-Leaguers had given him palpitations.

"We had a few niggling injuries and after a run of fixtures some of the lads just needed a break. To rest them was the best thing to do and you have got to remember that the replacements were senior players themselves.

"We didn't create our chances and that caused anxiety and you could certainly see why Yeovil are on their way to the Football League. They played ever so well and I am sure they will now go on and win the Conference."