Allardyce relishes cutting Liverpool down to size

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce (R) and his Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez (L) give their players instructions during the Premiership match at the Reebok Stadium. Allardyce has praised the bravery of his Bolton players after they produced a resilient display to beat "big boys" Liverpool 2-0.

Sam Allardyce has praised the bravery of his Bolton players after they produced a resilient display to beat "big boys" Liverpool 2-0.

Allardyce's side ended Liverpool's recent resurgence thanks to goals from Gary Speed and Ivan Campo and the Bolton boss was delighted with the way his team put their bodies on the line at the Reebok Stadium.

Liverpool had won their previous three matches but fell behind in controverisal circumstances when referee's assistant Andy Halliday penalised goalkeeper Jose Reina for handling outside his penalty area.

Speed drilled the resulting free-kick past Reina and Campo headed the second soon after half time.

Bolton's tenacious approach gave Liverpool little chance of getting back into the game and Allardyce said: "It's satisfying because this is one of the big boys.

"We worked very hard and frustrated them for all of the game really.

"When they got half-chances people were prepared to dive at the ball and block it.

"They were ready to die for the cause and our goalkeeper made some fabulous saves as well.

"Our opportunities were few but when we had them we made them count. We might have been a bit fortunate with the free-kick but it's crucial to take advantage.

"We've sent the fans home with another big scalp."

Veteran midfielder Speed insists his side must keep their feet on the ground despite an impressive run of four wins in five matches.

He said: "We can't get carried away because it's still early in the season and we've got to keep it going.

"We've given ourselves a base now and if we have a bad patch we've got points in the bag to reassure us.

"We couldn't afford to give these players time on the ball. They have top quality with plenty of Champions League experience. But we pressed the ball well and got our just desserts."