Black Cats still not safe despite point

BOLTON // Sunderland will be looking nervously over their shoulders at the bottom of the table after this dire stalemate. Bolton, meanwhile, despite earning the wrath of their own fans, are as good as safe from the drop. Sunderland dominated the first half at the Reebok Stadium without being able to get the goal that could eventually ensure survival. Booed by their own supporters throughout an awful opening period, the hosts failed to create a single clear-cut opportunity. Sunderland created a few but Richardson twice failed to hit the target, and Grant Leadbitter drove a shot into the side-netting. The action barely improved after the break and Ricky Sbragia's Sunderland remain fifth from bottom.