Sam Allardyce shrugged off a week of worry and innuendo to oversee Bolton's first away win since December at Portsmouth last night.
Captain Kevin Nolan shot down Pompey's unbeaten record and run of five consecutive Premiership clean sheets with the only goal of a 1-0 win at Fratton Park.
And Allardyce reacted angrily to Sky TV presenter Jeff Stelling when asked directly if he had been "offered a bung" following BBC television's so-called "dirty secrets" football expose, saying: "You are out of order."
But everything else in the Bolton garden was rosy after midfielder Nolan blasted an unstoppable 22nd-minute winner at Fratton Park.
Pompey, who were chasing Chelsea's record of six games without a goal conceded from the start of a season, never found a reply.
And their boss, Harry Redknapp, who was also featured on the BBC Panorama programme last week, said: "Bolton had one shot all night and scored, and we just couldn't score despite all our opportunities.
"They defended really well, and their five in midfield are very hard to break down, but we really worked hard and I'm pleased with the lads.
"Sam has been through it in the last week big time, and I can well imagine the pressure he must have felt.
"But I've been accused of tapping up a player, and I just got on with the football. My lads have been as good as gold."
Allardyce said: "It is always emotional being in charge in a Premiership game, but this was extra emotional.
"You can see why Portsmouth have started so well and why it's always difficult to come here.
"The quality of player Harry has brought to the club is clear, but sometimes it rests with the finishing by a top player.
"We've been beaten in the past by some great goals from people like Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy, and we've had a lot of draws.
"We got an outstanding goal against the run of play here, and I can only praise the players for their defensive qualities as well.
"It pleased me on two counts - one for what's gone on this week and two, that it's our first away win since December. Commitment from the players was what it was all about."
Match-winner Nolan said: "We did it for Sam. We know what he's gone through in the last week." PA
