James Beattie proves his worth for Stoke City against Bolton
James Beattie proved again in tonight's win at home to Bolton that he is a shrewd investment in Stoke's battle to secure their Barclays Premier League status.
Signed in the January transfer window from Sheffield United, the striker got his side off to a flying start in this crucial clash by making it five goals in seven appearances.
Bolton never really recovered, and substitute Ricardo Fuller sealed the points by extending Stoke's lead in the 73rd minute.
Stoke went into the match with confidence after holding Aston Villa to a draw thanks to a late equaliser from Glenn Whelan.
The midfielder was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up and responded by setting up both goals.
Rory Delap and Abdoulaye Faye also returned, with manager Tony Pulis looking for his side to get away from the foot of the table.
Delap was left a little frustrated, however, because referee Mike Dean put a stop in the first half to his constant ploy of using a towel to dry the ball for his long-throws.
Bolton almost took the lead before Stoke made the breakthrough, Thomas Sorensen showing good reflexes to turn Johan Elmander's effort around the post in the 11th minute.
Stoke hit back and made the breakthrough in the 14th minute when Whelan split the Bolton defence with a glorious through ball.
Beattie was the first to react as Bolton stood off and showed little hesitation to knock his effort beyond goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Bolton were struggling to string their passes together, and manager Gary Megson was already looking anxious in the technical area.
