Fredi Bobic’s hat-trick against Ipswich in 2002
In the penultimate article looking back at 20 years at the Reebok, we look back to a spring day in 2002. As Bolton were scrapping to stay in the Premiership, one man stepped up against Ipswich to become the first Wanderer to score a hat-trick at the ground. Only one more player would achieve the feat to the present day.
The first goal came in just 71 seconds, Kevin Nolan`s long throw wasn`t cleared particularly well and the ball eventually fell to Fredi Bobic 12 yards out, who put Wanderers ahead. It was only his second goal since joining on loan from Borussia Dortmund, but it wouldn`t be his last.
On the half-hour mark, Bobic doubled his tally for the day and Bolton`s lead too. Rod Wallace had a shot pushed away by Andy Marshall, but only into the path of Bobic who headed home. Eight minutes later, already three up thanks to Youri Djorkaeff, Bolton got a corner, which Bobic met at the near post, headed across goal, andhe would have his hat-trick. It was a crucial game to score it in, as what proved to be a 4-1 win took Bolton six points clear of the drop zone.
They would need that buffer as well, as Bolton took one point off Spurs before losing their final three games of the season. They finished 16th though. Mission accomplished.
Bobic`s hat-trick would remain the only one in a competitive game until September 2014, when Joe Mason would score three against Rotherham in a 3-2 win.