PHIL Parkinson might do well to pray for another Christmas miracle this year.

Defeat against Leeds United was by no means as comprehensive as some might have expected. And once again, the Wanderers boss could point to misfortune on a penalty call in the dying throes which may have rescued an unlikely point.

But just as sub Patrick Bamford came to the visitors’ rescue with a class second-half finish, Parkinson finds himself in desperate need of a saviour to rescue a rapidly-deteriorating campaign. Twelve months ago, Bolton were in an identical league position, second bottom of the Championship above condemned Sunderland, and reeling from a home defeat to relegation rivals Burton Albion. They rallied to win three of the next four games against Cardiff City, Sheffield United and Hull City to enter into 2018 outside the bottom three.

Can they do the same again this year? They certainly have the ammunition.

Three of their next four outings are against sides currently in the bottom third of the table yet faith in a similar comeback seems to be dwindling on the terraces. Parkinson still commands complete respect from the dressing room and the majority of fans for the way he has led Wanderers through tough times – and though it is encouraging to see players digging in for their manager, it is fair to question whether he simply has the tools for the job.

Without Sammy Ameobi – sent off the previous week at Norwich – there was nothing to suggest Bolton could unpick Leeds’ lock, which was a shame as Marcelo Bielsa’s side played well within themselves.

It wasn’t just the bitter weather that made for grim viewing at the University of Bolton Stadium. Both sides coughed and spluttered but Leeds got their engine revving just once, that when Pablo Hernandez played a delightful ball through the legs of Jack Hobbs and Bamford’s shot caught both David Wheater and Ben Alnwick on the hop to nestle into the bottom corner.

Leeds did not play like champions-elect but that kind of clinical finishing might just get them there in the end.

No manager in the Championship has made more changes to his side than Parkinson, with the three made against Leeds taking his grand total to 62 for the season and nudging him past Sheffield Wednesday’s Jos Luhukay on 61.

Ameobi’s suspension meant a decision had to be made at number 10 – and here the Bolton boss opted for the graft of Josh Vela, rather than the more technical Erhun Oztumer.

Vela did not let anyone down in his first return to the starting line-up since October. His hard running helped press Leeds high up the pitch and shake mistakes from a back four which seemed determined to take things at their own pace.

Recently turned 25, and out of contract in the summer, the academy graduate looks to be at a tipping point in his Bolton career. He has so often been linked with Leeds in the past, and most recently Birmingham, but there was ample evidence in his busy 90 minutes which suggests Vela still has plenty of desire to fight for Bolton.

David Wheater came in for Mark Beevers, who had picked up a groin injury, but perhaps the most surprising name on the team-sheet was that of Josh Magennis, pushing Christian Doidge to the bench.

It seems a long time since the Northern Irishman was banging in goals at the start of the season, or indeed since he was getting into the positions to score them. He chased, defended from the front, but ultimately had little impact where Bolton needed him most.

Leeds’ goal aside, the game was almost totally devoid of decent attacking football. But Wanderers’ contributions as the home side were especially tough to watch.

The high-pressing game Parkinson had ordered did yield results. Possession was won in good areas. Yet as so often this season, the manager found his team exhibit no shortage of perspiration, just a lack of inspiration.

Time and time again the key pass broke down when Leeds had been forced to retreat. The home crowd, boosted significantly by 4,500 travelling fans, appeared too cold to vent their frustrations.

Leeds edged the first half, Alnwick making a good save from Ezigan Alioski’s header early on and Mateusz Klich also forcing the Bolton keeper into action.

Wanderers coped well with anything the visitors put into the penalty box in what was a traditional defender’s type of afternoon. And though they went in at half time having not mustered a single shot on goal, there was a slight sense of satisfaction at having dealt with everything the Yorkshiremen had to offer.

Craig Noone looked the most likely Bolton player to change the score-line. He ran hard, got into some decent areas, yet the lack of end product was also symptomatic.

Will Buckley had been anonymous on the other wing and unfortunately his lasting imprint on the game will be the loss of possession which contributed to Leeds’ swift counter, and an opening goal on 66 minutes.

Leeds failed to really build on their advantage. Likewise, Wanderers failed to convince they could claw back the deficit.

Parkinson did throw on Doidge, Oztumer and Yanic Wildschut to try and change things up but – in another familiar trend to this campaign – saw his substitutes make little to no impression on the game.

When Wanderers needed a bit of luck it deserted them. Noone tangled with Kalvin Phillips on the edge of the area and went to ground but referee Rob Jones waved play on.

Moments later, Jack Hobbs’ header was blocked on the line by Barry Douglas and Noone’s follow-up also brought a penalty appeal for handball.

Parkinson admitted his players had lacked composure in the cold. His Christmas list and discussions about a January budget would make compelling viewing.

Before then, a trip to stuttering Brentford and two home games against Rotherham United and Stoke City where every Wanderers fan will be wishing for some festive magic to materialise.