JUSSI Jaaskelainen claimed today that Saturday's victory over Ipswich was sweet revenge for the veterans of the play-off "Knightmare" at Portman Road two seasons ago.
"It was nice to get back at Ipswich for what happened then," the Reebok keeper said after the 4-1 win that all-but secured Wanderers' place in the Premiership.
"There were a few players who were looking forward to doing that today and we did."
Wanderers were just a minute away from winning a place in the 1999-2000 play-off final when they led the second leg of the semi-final at Portman Road 3-2. But the night ended in heartbreak and controversy - a 5-3 extra-time defeat in which Orpington referee Barry Knight awarded Ipswich three penalties and doled out 12 yellow and two red cards to Bolton players.
Jaaskelainen was one of five survivors of that night - Per Frandsen, Mike Whitlow, Dean Holdsworth and Paul Warhurst were the others - who were involved in Saturday's win.
"It was a very important match for us to win," the keeper added, "although I must admit I had a quiet game because the players in front of me did so well, not just the back four but the midfield as well and we scored our chances which was great.
"We were that much stronger than them in the first half and it was just disappointing to concede the goal at the end instead of having a clean sheet but we have to be happy with a 4-1 win in a game so important as this. Now I think we have to get one point from the last four games and hopefully we'll stay up and be in the Premiership next year. That would be great."
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