BOLTON'S FREE FOUR ALL

ABOVE: Matthew Taylor celebrates his strike

Bolton 4 wigan 0

BOLTON'S famished front men feasted on a dreadful Wigan defence to enjoy their biggest win of the season.

Johan Elmander netted his first Premier League goal since early ­December to put Bolton in front.

Strike partner Kevin Davies took his season’s tally to five with a second-half penalty and to cap a shocking day for the Latics even Fabrice ­Muamba scored.

The midfielder last hit the target two years ago and has never managed the feat in Bolton’s colours.

But he was given enough time by the hapless Gary Caldwell to pick his spot and spark a celebration that saw him jumping all over boss Owen Coyle.

His effort was the second in quick succession after the break to ensure Bolton took advantage of their ­struggling derby rivals before sub Matty Taylor added a fourth.

Wigan could rightly claim their chances of backing up their ­impressive win over Liverpool on Monday with a crucial away three points here but they were hampered by being denied an early penalty.

Zat Knight’s clumsy tackle on Hugo Rodallega had their players ­screaming for a spot-kick but ref Mike Dean ­ignored them.

And their anger worsened when Bolton snatched a tenth minute lead.

Davies climbed on the back of Titus Bramble after keeper Jussi ­Jaaskelainen’s long punt had been ­allowed to bounce.

The skipper’s touch put Caldwell in trouble and Elmander darted in to find the net via keeper Chris ­Kirkland’s body.

Paul Scharner lead the charge as Wigan tried to find a way back and twice he aimed a header at goal.

But both times his efforts did not have the strength to test Jaaskelainen.

But when he was called into action the Finnish keeper ­produced a stunning stop to deny Charles N’Zogbia a well-crafted ­leveller just before the break.

Victor Moses’ cross was headed down by Rodallega for Scharner to put the ball at the French winger’s feet.

He carefully targeted the bottom corner only to see Jaaskelainen react superbly and get a glove to the ball.

Bolton had relied on their war horse Davies to try and stretch their lead in the first half but it was Tamir Cohen who caused chaos in the visitors’ area just after the break when he won a penalty.

He tried to charge past Gary ­Caldwell and when the defender ­dangled his leg Cohen flew over it and Davies converted the spot-kick.

Then came Muamba’s rare moment of glory. Picking up an astute pass from Lee, he turned Caldwell inside out and drilled a low shot home.

Elmander nearly grabbed a fourth moments later with a low shot ­Kirkland did well to stop.

But the keeper was again let down by Caldwell as Taylor netted within seconds of coming on. Caldwell should have cleared Elmander’s flick on as he ran back towards his own goal.

Instead he produced a limp attempt to put his foot through the ball allowing Taylor to capitalise by spearing an accurate shot past the keeper.

Stunned Wigan boss Roberto ­Martinez said: “It was a huge, huge shock because the nature of the goals was really soft. You can’t win football games if you concede the nature of the goals we did today.

“I felt that once the first goal went in the game went away from us”

Coyle said: “Without being smart after the event it was all about getting the three points and to get it on the back of such an ­accomplished performance was terrific.

“There were so many positives. I thought the players’ desire and the quality they showed were very pleasing.”

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