Sam Ricketts marked his return from more than 10 months out injured with a superb goal for Bolton but it was not enough to prevent the Trotters beginning 2012 at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table as Wolves hit back to earn a point.

The full-back, making his first appearance since rupturing an Achilles in February, had never scored for Bolton before but he showed a striker's eye for goal in the 22nd minute with a fine curling shot into the far corner from 25 yards.

Bolton deserved their half-time lead despite Stephen Ward's thunderbolt against the bar but Wolves levelled less than four minutes into the second period when Steven Fletcher headed home Matt Jarvis' free-kick.

Defender Gary Cahill captained the side despite a fee having been agreed with Chelsea, and he received a warm reception from fans when his name was read out.

Bolton had looked nervous and short on confidence in their 2-0 defeat by Newcastle on Boxing Day, making this really a must-win game, particularly given Blackburn's shock victory at Manchester United, which left the Trotters bottom at kick-off.

Manager Owen Coyle had called for his side to show more character following Monday's loss and this time they came up with the goods, playing with greater assertiveness and attacking at speed down the flanks.

They still did not create too many opportunities early on, and when they did David Ngog shot tamely at Wayne Hennessey and Ivan Klasnic was denied by good defending from Richard Stearman.

Bolton got the goal their play deserved midway through the half, and it was a moment of real quality from Ricketts, who picked up the ball in space 35 yards out and drove forward before curling a brilliant effort past Hennessey.