Robbie Fowler grabbed his first hat-trick for Leeds United as David O'Leary's side cruised to a comfortable win away at Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day in December 2001. Indeed the striker should have scored four, but he missed a penalty late on. He opened the scoring after just two minutes before adding a second on 16 minutes. He then missed a penalty in the 84th minute after Lee Bowyer had been brought down. But in the 89th minute the £11 million signing ensured he got to take away the match ball when he converted an Alan Smith pass. The win helped Leeds shrug off a 4-3 defeat by Newcastle United and moved them up to third place in the Premiership table, a point behind leaders Arsenal. "A great hat-trick for Robbie," reflected David O'Leary at full-time. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Bolton 0 Leeds United 3
Gary Kelly and Jonathan Woodgate go up for a header with Bolton Wanderers striker Dean Holdsworth. Photo: Getty
2. Bolton 0 Leeds United 3
Robbie Fowler (left) celebrates opening the scoring against Bolton, with teammates Lee Bowyer and Alan Smith (right). PIC: Gareth Copley/PA Photo: Gareth Copley
4. Bolton 0 Leeds United 3
Lee Bowyer is the first to congratulate Robbie Fowler after the striker scored his second goal of the game. Photo: Getty
5. Bolton 0 Leeds United 3
Mark Viduka congratulates Robbie Fowler after the £11 million striker scored his second goal of the game. Photo: PA
6. Bolton 0 Leeds United 3
Robbie Fowler completes his hat-trick after scoring his third goal past Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. Photo: Getty