A frustrating afternoon for Latics as a number of goal scoring opportunities went begging, resulting in a goalless draw.
Despite excellent performances from front men Hugo Rodallega and Mido, neither men could find the breakthrough, as a combination of fine goalkeeping and lack of composure in the penalty area gave Wigan their fourth consecutive game without a goal.
The game could and should have been over by half-time had it not been for Jussi Jaaskelainen's inspired shot-stopping, first denying Rodallega with an outstretched palm that pushed the Columbian's low shot onto the post and to safety.
Rodallega's second opportunity came shortly after when the ball fell kindly for him in the area to turn and strike sweetly towards the bottom left-hand corner. However Bolton's keeper came to the rescue once again, parrying the attempt clear.
With both sets of fans in full voice an exciting contest followed with plenty of full-blooded tackles and Latics committing men forward in search of a goal to break the deadlock.
It seemed as though Mido had found the breakthrough just before half-time curling a shot from 30 yards bound for the top-corner when you know who produced an acrobatic save to thwart the hard-working Egyptian.
The second-half continued with more missed chances for both sides as Kevin Davies blazed over from ten yards and Michael Brown had a succession of efforts that failed to find the target.
Although a disappointing result for Steve Bruce he will take confidence in the spirited performance of his men, particularly in the first-half, playing with real verve, moving the ball round well and winning important challenges, much like earlier in the season.
Bruce will now be eager to keep that momentum gong into next weekend's trip to West Brom and again go in search of a win.
