Zaki penalty puts Wigan ahead at break

HT Bolton 0 Wigan 1

Amr Zaki made the breakthrough from the penalty spot for Wigan at the Reebok Stadium.

The on-loan striker sent goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen the wrong way following a challenge by Andy O’Brien on substitute Henri Camara.

It was a boost for manager Steve Bruce after goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was ruled out after suffering a groin injury in the warm-up. He was replaced by Mike Pollitt.

Wigan responded in the 26th minute and Taylor picked out Emile Heskey but he got a poor touch and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was able to make a save.

Six minutes later the visitors were forced to make another change when Heskey limped off and Henri Camara came on.

Camara was quickly into the action and fired in a shot from the edge of the area that the goalkeeper did well to turn around the post.

Then Zaki needed treatment after being left pole-axed in a melee following Gavin McCann’s corner.

Wigan were beginning to dictate the pace of the game as half-time approached.

Jaaskelainen made another good block from Cattermole in the 41st minute after a corner from Ryan Taylor.

Three minutes later Wigan made the breakthrough from the penalty spot after Andy O’Brien’s challenge on Camara.

Zaki stepped up and sent Jaaskelainen the wrong way to take his tally for the season to 11 goals. It was no more than Wigan deserved but Bolton hit back immediately.

However, Nolan and Ricardo Gardner got in a muddle and Pollitt was able to take advantage and make the block.