Bolton beat relegation rivals

Bolton picked up a massive 3 points as they defeated relegation rivals Wigan 4-1 at the Reebok Stadium. The defeat left Steve Bruce fuming and Gary Megson delighted as Bolton look to move further away from the relegation zone.

Nicolas Anelka scored and also missed a penalty while an own goal from Paul Scharner and strikes from Kevin Davies and Kevin Nolan sealed victory.

Denny Landzaat netted for the Latics, who have not won a game since August 18th.

The result moves Gary Megson's side up to 14th spot while Wigan remain in deep trouble in 19th place.

Steve Bruce's side made a disastrous start when Scharner comically nodded El Hadji Diouf's cross into his own net.

Wigan hit back ten minutes later when Abdoulaye Meite's clearance fell to Landzaat who struck a low shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton had the chance to increase their lead after being awarded a penalty when Andreas Granqvist blocked Danny Guthrie's shot with his arm.

Anelka stepped up but blazed his spot-kick over the bar to the astonishment of the home crowd.

Nine minutes before half-time, the Trotters went 2-1 ahead after another blunder by Titus Bramble led to Anelka passing across goal for Nolan to backheel the ball in.

Megson's side continued to punish the Latics' defending and clinched victory when an unmarked Davies nodded in Diouf's free-kick from close range.

A minute before time, Anelka converted Davies' cross to make it 4-1.