Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Sunderland

Darren Bent's early debut goal secured Sunderland a 1-0 win in their Premier League curtain-raiser at Bolton.

Bent headed home in the opening exchanges of the game at the Reebok Stadium, as the Black Cats dominated the first half and spurned numerous chances to add to their tally. However, the home side responded after the break but could not find the cutting edge to beat Marton Fulop in the visitors' goal.

Sunderland started well and were rewarded with a goal on five minutes from record signing Bent on his competitive debut. Steed Malbranque swung his free kick to the back post and Bent placed his header across goal and in off the post.

Sunderland continued to dominate and should have been two-up on 21 minutes when Kieran Richardson was denied by Jussi Jaaskelainen's great save after a speedy counter-attack involving Malbranque.

Gary Megson's half time talk looked to have its desired effect on the Bolton players as they almost levelled on 51 minutes. Johan Elmander's flick on found Taylor but his effort went the wrong side of the post.

Kevin Davies then flicked the ball on to Elmander two minutes later, but the Swede curled his effort just wide of the upright.

On 64 minutes, Fulop was forced to parry the ball clear after Davies flicked on a long throw-in towards the Sunderland goal, before the Wanderers hitman fired an effort just across the face of goal after good build up play.

Sunderland defended well in the final 10 minutes and almost grabbed a second when Jones unselfishly played in Bent, but his shot was deflected just over the bar off a defender.