Bolton 0-2 Liverpool

Nov 16 2008 James Cairns Reports

LIVERPOOL bounced back from their midweek cup mauling to keep their title challenge on track with a vital win.

The disappointment of the 4-2 Carling Cup defeat at Spurs was swept away as the Reds clinched another crucial victory as they seek their first Championship since 1990.

Dirk Kuyt (right) set the Reds on their way with a header from Fabio Aurelio's 29th-minute cross.

The Dutch striker then whipped a cross into Robbie Keane but the Irish ace missed an open goal from two yards.

Bolton were denied an equaliser on the stroke of half time when ref Rob Styles ruled Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina had been fouled before Gary Cahill headed home.

The Reds came under pressure after the break and Bolton sub Ricardo Gardner should have levelled after he rounded Reina but lost his footing and shot wide.

The away side's nerves were eased in 73 minutes when Spanish sub Fernando Torres flicked the ball to Steven Gerrard and the skipper's diving header found the corner.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez said: "Wewant towin every game but the league is the priority so we cannot keep thinking of the Carling Cup."