Chelsea close in on title after beating Bolton 2-0

LONDON, Apr 15 (Reuters) Chelsea eased closer to retaining their Premier League title with an uninspired but clinical 2-0 victory at Bolton Wanderers in an early kickoff today.

After Manchester United were surprisingly held to a goalless home draw by Sunderland yesterday, Chelsea's success extended their lead to nine points with four games remaining and they could lift the title on Monday if results go their way.

The opening goal came in the 44th minute when Didier Drogba and Paul Terry both seemed to connect with a Frank Lampard free kick and England midfielder Lampard settled it from close range after a driving run on the hour.

Bolton, who hit the post through Ricardo Vaz Te midway through the first half but showed little else in attack, have now lost five games in a row to all but end their hopes of joining Chelsea in next year's Champions League.

REUTERS DH KP1938