Premier League: Bolton 1 Aston Villa 2

Aston Villa claimed their first away win of the English Premier League season on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Villa took advantage of nervous defending from struggling Bolton to go ahead through a 33rd-minute tap in from Marc Albrighton.

The visitors doubled their lead at the Reebok Stadium six minutes later thanks to a long-range strike from Stiliyan Petrov.

Bolton rallied after the break and got a goal back though Ivan Klasnic’s close-range effort.

But their fragile confidence soon faded and Villa held on to pick up all three points.

The match started ominously for out-of-form Bolton.

A shaky start from the hosts’ defence almost allowed Gabby Agbonlahor to get in one-on-one with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Paul Robinson however stepped in to make a great tackle and clear the early danger.

Chris Eagles enjoyed Bolton’s first chance soon afterwards, but a lack of power and placement in his shot meant an easy save for Brad Guzman.

Petrov should have had put visitors in the lead with less than 20 minutes gone.

The Bulgarian received a low ball at his feet, before somehow contriving to shoot wide from the centre of the box.

A great save from Jaaskelainen spared Bolton’s blushes further; he made an impressive block with his legs to deny England international Darren Bent.

Villa then came under pressure, as a low, hard free-kick from Eagles managed to avoid the defensive wall and forced Guzan to make the save.

With 33 minutes gone, Bolton’s defence finally paid the price for their unconvincing display.

They failed to clear a routine long ball, leaving Albrighton to put the visitors ahead from close range with a shot past the helpless Jaaskelainen.

Petrov doubled Villa’s lead six minutes later.

His long-range effort deflected off Gary Cahill and evaded Jaaskelainen, before finding its way into the corner of the net.

At the other end, Kevin Davies nearly clawed one back with a header that drew an instinctive save from Guzan, who ensured his side went into the break with their two-goal advantage intact.

Bolton began strongly in the second half and their improved display paid off in the 55th minute, with Klasnic the man to claim a scrappy goal.

He followed up Darren Pratley’s blocked shot, prodding the ball home with an outstretched foot.

Undeterred by conceding, Villa soon began to dominate again and should have made it three when Bent put a great opportunity wide.

Albrighton also had a good chance for what would have been his second goal of the afternoon, but Jaaskelainen stopped his attempt well.

While Villa were unable to extend their lead, Bolton proved similarly incapable of forcing an equaliser in the time remaining.

Villa are now up to eighth on the table, while Bolton are bottom, three points off the safety of 16th place.