Latics really did hand this one to Bolton on a plate. All the Trotters Christmases came at once as Scharner after 3 minutes jumped up, ignored Kirkland's shout and took the ball from his keepers grasp to put the ball in his own net.

This came just after great work from Boyce whose cross was just put over by Bent after just a minute of play.

Latics equalised on the 14 minute mark after Emmerson Boyce's cross was cleared by Meite, only for it to fall to Denny Landzaat on the edge of the area where he duly placed the ball into the corner of Bolton goal.

The referee gave a really soft penalty as the ball kicked up onto Granqvist's arm. But justice was done as Anelka placed the spot kick high and wide of Kirkland's goal.

After this came another kick in the teeth as disastrous defending handed Nolan Bolton lead back, fluking the ball into the Wigan goal with a back heal.

Koumas had the last chance of the half, firing his long range shot just wide of the mark.

The second half was all about Latics chasing the game and they couldn't find the breakthrough. Bolton scored their killer third goal on 70 minutes as Diouf's free kick saw Davies all alone at the far post where he converted with ease.

Anelka sealed the tie by making up for his penalty miss, scoring off a Davies cross.

This leaves Latics in deep trouble as a gap of 4 points opens up before they see Sunderland, Fulham and safety.

Steve Bruce said after the match that it was individual errors that keep costing the team. As soon as they start working as a unit and pulling for each other, all will change.

By Jason Taylor (www.cockneylatic.co.uk)