Caldwell: Headed home for Latics

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Bolton 1-2 Wigan

Wigan outplayed Bolton at the Reebok Stadium to claim a precious three points and drag Bolton further into the mire with the 2-1 win.

Both sides were in need of a good result but it was Wigan who looked dangerous on the break and showed more invention than the home side.

Franco Di Santo came close to opening the scoring in the 21st minute, unleashing a stunning effort which whistled just over the bar, while Emmerson Boyce forced Adam Bogdan into a good save a few minutes later.

The goal came two minutes before half-time, as a Jean Beausejour corner was headed past Bogdan by Gary Caldwell from six yards out.

The Latics deserved to be ahead after dominating the first half and Coyle’s side, who had been poor, were booed off the pitch at the break.

Wigan started the second half as they had ended the first, Boyce coming within inches of extending their lead just minutes after the restart.

James McArthur looked certain to score on the hour mark but Bogdan pulled off a fine stop, and that looked a crucial save when Bolton levelled against the run of play in the 67th minute.

The goal came out of nowhere, Mark Davies unleashing a fierce effort that flew into the top corner of the net and Bolton, urged on by their fans, seemed all set to go on and win the game.

However, it was Wigan who regained the lead less than 10 minutes later. Victor Moses’ shot was parried by Bogdan and fell to McArthur, who tapped in to the empty net.

Ali Al-Habsi pulled off a stunning save late on from Ryo Miyaichi to preserve the lead as Wigan closed the gap on their relegation rivals.