Latics unable to find breakthrough after positive display

WIGAN ATHLETIC 0
BOLTON WANDERERS 0

Report by Paul Chialton

Having huffed and puffed all night Latics were unlucky not to find the breakthrough against Bolton and win the points their performance deserved.

Having worked their way into so many dangerous positions on both wings and through the middle Roberto Martinez's men just couldn't make their dominance count and in the end had to settle for a draw.

On the flanks Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'Zogbia were potent, always with their head up and charging at the full-backs it's a wonder their efforts did not result in a goal for the home side.

In fact it was the Frenchman who came closet to breaking the deadlock after 20minutes; picking up the ball on the left, his trademark drop of the shoulder and turn into the area sold Paul Robinson, and when the chance presented itself N'Zogbia bent one onto the inside of the post, desperately unlucky not hit the back of the net.

Spurred on by their side's display the home crowd were on fire, roaring Latics forward and chewing on fingernails when the visitors came forward.

Many predicted a tense, tight affair considering the importance of the game and what was at stake. However, things we very different as both sides fought for the win.

Overall, Latics probably did enough to warrant picking up three points, their approach work and composed play around the midfield left Bolton chasing shadows and unable to cope with the pace of the front-line.

On his home debut, his first start in a Latics shirt Marcelo Moreno battled up-top and looks to have exactly what it takes to succeed at this level; his hold-up play and neat footwork certainly impressing the home crowd.

The late introduction of Victor Moses inspired the crowd further to get behind the team and push them forward, but the goal was always just a bridge too far.

A tough night for Latics who should have three points in the bag, but will enter Sunday's game against Tottenham Hotspur ready to make their opportunities count.


Latics: Kirkland; Melchiot, Bramble (Scotland, 51), Caldwell, Figueroa; Diame, McCarthy; N'Zogbia, Scharner, Rodallega; Moreno (Moses, 79)

Subs: Stojkovic, Boyce, Thomas, Gomez, Sinclair

Bolton: Jasskelainen; Steinsson, Knight, Ricketts, Robinson; Lee (Weiss, 70), Gardner (Cohen, 84), Muamba, Taylor (Wilshere, 87); K. Davies, Elmander

Subs: Al Habsi, Samuel, M. Davies, O'Brien