Ryley Towler opens Portsmouth account with double in win at Bolton

Portsmouth came from behind to beat promotion-chasing Bolton 3-1 in a pulsating game at Fratton Park thanks to two goals from defender Ryley Towler.

A strike from Dion Charles early in the second half looked to have set in-form Bolton on course for victory.

But centre-back Towler struck twice in the space of 11 minutes – his first Pompey goals – before striker Colby Bishop sealed the comeback win.

In an even first half Ronan Curtis came closest to putting Pompey in front, chipping over from a tight angle. Manchester United loanee Shola Shoretire also saw an effort blocked for the visitors.

Bolton took the lead on 48 minutes when a corner was forced home by Charles but Pompey drew level 17 minutes from time as Towler headed in Joe Rafferty’s free-kick.

The home side took the lead with six minutes to play when Towler poked in his second before Bishop’s deft flick in the 87th minute sealed the points.