Cole on a roll as a young lion learns to swagger

Chelsea 1 Bolton Wanderers

At the time of year when young cubs are blooded, Chelsea gave their own "little lion" his chance. Carlton Cole did not disappoint. A winning goal taken with Premiership aplomb plus – admittedly – four other opportunities spurned confirmed a rare promise.

In scoring decisively for the second time in a week, Cole, just 19, further eased already diminishing fears that he and his team-mates will miss out on the Champions' League and put them just one point behind Newcastle United in third. He also ended Bolton Wanderers' own three-match winning streak – although the Trotters know that a far more conclusive fight awaits them next Saturday if they are to retain their status. West Ham United at home – a must win whereas this game would have been, in truth, a surprising point especially on the balance of play.

It was Cole's first League start of the season and, as early as the 15th minute, he was using his strength and power to turn Florent Laville and carve out a chance. The shot was dragged weakly wide. In the match programme Marcel Desailly said the striker was already a better prospect for England than Emile Heskey. Unfortunately, he finished like him in that instant and again when he stole in behind the Bolton defence to lift the ball over Jussi Jaaskelainen and also the bar. Undeterred, he tried again. This time his first- time drive, from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's knock-down, steered marginally wide.

Half-time came and Cole re-emerged – head high and with a glimpse of a swagger. It was there again when, having pulled down Emmanuel Petit's lofted pass, he let the ball run across his body, wrong-footing both Gudni Bergsson, Bolton's experienced captain, and Jaaskelainen. Having committed the defenders he rolled the ball into the net. A cool finish.

Moments later came his final opportunity but, having again opened his body, he mis-timed his attempt to connect with Hasselbaink's low cross. Claudio Ranieri brought him off, satisfied, and Cole, never short of confidence, was quick to acknowledge the acclaim. "The little lion is growing up very well," said Ranieri afterwards of his 6ft 4in striker. "Another fantastic goal. Carlton played very, very well." Cole was not alone in his profligacy with Hasselbaink – the man he may eventually replace – particularly errant. A late effort, in which he failed to lift the ball over Jaaskelainen when through, betrayed the Dutchman's drained confidence while the Finn saved well from fierce strikes by Frank Lampard.

The misses always gave Bolton hope and, in fairness, they showed far more purpose and intent than recent visitors to Stamford Bridge such as Manchester City. This was never going to be a 5-0 rollover.

Bernard Mendy, in particular, threatened as he was pushed into an advanced position with Sam Allardyce trying to exploit his pace. It was, however, a game in which Jay-Jay Okocha flickered briefly and Ivan Campo was found wanting in midfield.

Chelsea nearly paid, however. "We made life very difficult for them," Allardyce said, although he admitted the result was fair. "And we had a flurry at the end when we could have nicked it." Indeed they did. As Bolton switched to an even more attacking formation, Carlo Cudicini flapped under pressure from Henrik Pedersen and John Terry hacked the ball away as it trundled goalwards.

The Bolton manager can take much from the game, as his thoughts turn to next weekend. "We know that we can virtually put our Premiership place safe if we can beat West Ham," he said. A lions' den is promised – although Allardyce can only dream that he had such a young cub to call on.

Chelsea 1 Bolton Wanderers 0
Cole 58

Half-time: 0-0 Attendance: 39,852