Bob Taylor wrote his name into Wanderers folklore when he scored the goal that earned a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, rocking Premier League leaders Manchester United and giving Bolton’s fans a rare treat.

Twenty-five years ago, Wanderers were still second bottom and in deep relegation trouble, but for 25 minutes they were heading for a famous victory.

Thrashed 5-1 at home by Coventry in the previous game, Colin Todd’s Whites stunned United by taking the lead on the hour when Taylor’s scrambled, scrappy finish was in complete contrast to the quality of the build-up involving Per Frandsen and Jamir Pollock.

Predictably, United threw everything they had at Wanderers in an effort to salvage a point, if not all three. But with a combination of luck, determined defending and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Keith Branagan, they kept the red tide at bay until the 85th minute when Andy Cole got on the end of a Paul Scholes cross to head the equaliser.

United went for the jugular but, on the day both sets of fans respectfully marked the 40th anniversary of the Munich disaster, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer headed over from a David Beckham cross and Gary Neville hit the bar as they failed to grasp a victory.

Todd, who had taken the rap for the humiliating defeat the previous weekend, could only hope that the result – something of a moral victory considering the gulf in quality between the two sides – would go some way to repairing his players’ damaged confidence.

“We restored a bit of pride,” the manager said. “Now that has got to continue for 13 more games.”

Taylor, meanwhile, headed back to West Brom, having completed his month’s loan.

Wanderers were hoping to secure the 31-year—old striker on a permanent basis and Taylor wanted to stay at the Reebok. But the final decision rested with the Albion hierarchy.

“I don’t know what is going to happen until I speak to my gaffer,” Taylor said. “But I would rather be at Bolton and involved in the squad here.”