Bolton... 1 Everton... 2: In the absence of Wayne Rooney, Everton have unearthed an improbable alternative. The two goals with which Steve Watson condemned a directionless Bolton to defeat last night, although Delroy Facey got a late consolation, were his fourth in as many Premiership games, a sequence that has invigorated their aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League.

Watson, better known as a defender, inflicted all the damage in a six-minute spell on a sobering night for Bolton that will also be remembered for the dissent that accompanied Michael Ricketts's first match here since the striker, distracted by the overtures of Tottenham, requested a transfer.

The rancour reflects the perceived disloyalty of Ricketts and the resentment of his perception of the club as a stepping-stone to greater things. There is the argument, however, that when supporters heckle their players it is just an exercise in futility.

Watson's first was rich in value. David Unsworth's long free-kick was flicked on by Brian McBride and, with his back to goal, Watson hooked a shot of geometric perfection over Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The blood seemed to drain from the faces of the Bolton defenders. Six minutes later Bruno N'Gotty failed to clear inside his own area, Gary Naysmith's shot was parried by Jaaskelainen and Watson had the relatively simple task of slotting in the rebound.

Not for the first time, Bolton's carelessness was to be a significant feature of their downfall.

Guardian Service

BOLTON: Jaaskelainen, Mendy, Bergsson, N'Gotty (Facey 68), Charlton, Gardner, Frandsen, Campo, Djorkaeff, Pedersen (Nolan 45), Ricketts. Subs Not Used: Poole, Whitlow, Barness. Booked: Mendy, Gardner. Goals: Facey 90.

EVERTON: Wright, Pistone, Stubbs (Yobo 78), Weir, Unsworth, Watson, Li, Gemmill, Naysmith (Pembridge 84), McBride, Radzinski. Subs Not Used: Campbell, Gravesen, Gerrard. Booked: Watson. Goals: Watson 33, 39.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).