WANDERERS went goal crazy to sink Wigan at the Reebok and take a massive step towards guaranteeing their Premier League safety.
Owen Coyle’s men moved eight points clear of the drop zone after securing a third victory in four games.
Goals from Johan Elmander, Kevin Davies, Fabrice Muamba and substitute Matt Taylor helped Bolton crush their neighbours at the Reebok.
Wanderers had not beaten, or even scored, against Wigan in four attempts before Saturday's derby showdown.
But after Elmander had opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his first goal for the club in 2010, Wanderers never looked back.
Captain Davies added a second from the penalty spot after the hapless Gary Caldwell tripped Tamir Cohen a minute after the restart.
Muamba drilled home his first ever goal for Wanderers on 58 minutes and substitute Taylor punished another Caldwell error to complete the rout on 69 minutes with his first touch.
Full match report and reaction in Monday's The Bolton News.
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