A Kevin Davies brace earned Bolton Wanderers a hard-fought draw against Sunderland in a lively encounter at the Stadium of Light.

The visitors, battling for their top-flight future, had the better of the early possession as the Black Cats barely set a foot in the Bolton half in the opening stages.

Martin Petrov was the driving force behind the Trotters' attack throughout, threatening Craig Gordon's goal with a series of menacing crosses.

Owen Coyle's men took a well-deserved lead on 25 minutes when the Bulgarian lined up Davies, who found the back of the net from close range.

Sunderland got their first sight of goal 10 minutes later and equalised against the run of play. Jack Colback provided for Nicklas Bendtner to guide the ball into the bottom corner and level the scores at the break.

Bolton maintained their determination early in the second half. Petrov continued to menace, and Chris Eagles tested Gordon with a 25-yard effort, but it was the home side that edged their noses in front.

Davis conceded a free kick outside of his own area, and Sunderland's James McClean punished his indiscipline with a top-drawer strike.

Coyle's men searched for an equaliser, pressing forward through Petrov, but the home side's defence held tight. At the other end, chances fell to Fraizer Campbell and John O'Shea, both of whom failed to hit the target.

Bolton drew level at 69 minutes, Samuel Ricketts swinging in a cross and Davis made amends for his earlier error by heading home.

End-to-end play ensued, and Bolton almost snatched it at the death. The ever-threatening Petrov powered forward and lined up Ivan Klasnic six yards out, the latter forcing a reaction save from Gordon.

The draw leaves Coyle's men in the drop zone, despite drawing them level on points with 17th-placed Queens Park Rangers.