Jay-Jay Okocha's first goal in four months helped to inspire Bolton and keep the club on course for Europe for the first time.

The Nigerian captain has struggled for form and fitness this season but he showed some of his old magic today.

Fulham midfielder Luis Boa Morte

Okocha, who has been bothered by a hamstring injury, replaced Ricardo Gardner - the only change to the side that lost narrowly to Liverpool at Anfield.

He made the breakthrough for Bolton from the penalty spot after Fulham's Claus Jensen had been sent off by referee Dermot Gallagher.

The match came to life in the 11th minute when a corner from Stelios Giannakopoulos was headed powerfully towards goal by the giant figure of Bruno N'Gotty.

However former Bolton midfielder Jensen was deemed to have handled the ball on the line and was dismissed.

Fulham protested vigorously - Liam Rosenior was booked - but Okocha stayed calm to send Edwin van der Sar the wrong way from the penalty spot.

It was just the start Bolton wanted but there was a sense of lingering injustice in the Fulham camp.

Andy Cole then tried his luck from 25 yards as Fulham hit back on the counter but his effort went wide of the target by some distance.

Bolton almost added a second in the 21st minute when N'Gotty launched a free kick forward. Kevin Nolan took the ball in his stride and cracked in a volley only to see van der Sar tip his effort superbly over the top

Bolton were winning the majority of possession and Fernando Hierro released Nolan after 31 minutes. He cut inside and cleverly laid the ball into the path of Okocha 20 yards. However he dragged his effort wide of the target.

Bolton went 2-0 ahead thanks to Nolan's fourth goal of the season. Okocha delivered a deep cross and Kevin Davies flicked the ball on to Nolan, who steered a header beyond van der Sar and into the corner.

Nolan missed a clear chance of extending Bolton's advantage in the 37th minute when Okocha played the ball into the area. He seemed to be taken by surprise and hooked a shot wide front in front of the posts when it seemed easier to score.

This was a worrying time for Fulham, who were looking a bit disorganised after having had Jensen sent off.

A poor clearance from Clark landed at the feet of Hierro 20 yards out but he sent his effort into the crowd, much to the relief of the visitors.

Bolton started the second half with a bang and Greece winger Stelios whipped in a volley in the 46th minute that was blocked by Alain Goma.

However a minute later Fulham pulled a goal back when Luis Boa Morte scored at the back post after being set up by Cole.

That stunned the home supporters who had seen their team dominate the first half. Now it was Bolton's turn to look edgy despite having a one-man advantage.

N'Gotty got a touch of the jitters under pressure from Cole when Clark played the ball forward and conceded a corner.

Bolton, however, restored their two-goal advantage in the 54th minute after a poor clearance from van der Sar.

Nolan was first to react and delivered a glorious through-ball to Stelios, whose finish was emphatic.

Bolton kept up the pressure and the Greek saw his close range header deflected to safety following a cross from Hunt.

It was becoming an uphill struggle for Fulham, who had previously won only three league games on the road this season.

Okocha continued to try his luck on goal and rattled in a shot after 63rd minute which was blocked by Moritz Volz.

Fulham continued to make a decent fist of it despite being a man down and two goals behind.

Brian McBride thought he added a second goal only for Bolton defender Nicky Hunt to get a vital touch on the line.

Collins John then went close for Fulham but Ricardo Gardner somehow managed to hook his effort off the line.

While Bolton have Europe in their sights, Fulham still have the shadow of relegation hanging over them.

Bolton Jaaskelainen, Hunt, N'Gotty, Ben Haim, Candela (Gardner 84), Hierro (Fadiga 84), Nolan, Okocha, Speed, Giannakopoulos, Davies.
Subs Not Used: Poole, Pedersen, Jaidi.

Goals: Okocha 13 pen, Nolan 33, Giannakopoulos 54.

Fulham Van der Sar, Volz, Goma, Knight, Rosenior, Malbranque (Radzinski 80), Clark, Jensen, Boa Morte, McBride, Cole (John 82).
Subs Not Used: Bocanegra, Pembridge, Crossley.

Sent Off: Jensen (dhb,12).

Booked: Rosenior(d,12), Boa Morte(f,60).

Goals: Boa Morte 47.

Att: 25,493

Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).