Wigan/Bolton grind out no score bore

Anyone turning up at the DW stadium last night expecting a hot pot full on Lancashire derby were left disappointed as the two teams battling it out at the bottom of the Premier League served up a game low on class and excitement.

Martinez opted to ring the changes dropping Boyce and Scotland to the bench , to be replaced by returning captain Melchiot and new starter Martins whilst retaining the now familiar 4-5-1 formation.

The game in truth was a soporific affair with the only excitement early on was a mix up between Melchiot and Kirkland which could have led to an embarassing own goal.

Bolton, with Elmander and Davies up front offered little in the way of productive play and the statistics which show no shots on taregt tells its own story.

Once again Latics were seen to be heavily dependant on Charles N'Zogbia, the dimunitive Frenchman gave left back Paul Robinson a torrid time and the nearest either side came to scoring was when he cut inside from the right and curled a shot which seemed to be heading for the top corner but unfortunately hit the corner of the upright and bar and bounced to safety.

The rest of the half drifted into half time and the fans warming their hands on their half time cuppa were no doubt praying for something better after half time.

They were to be disappointed, the only notable highlights in the second half were a spectacular overhead kick from Rodallega and the introduction of Moses fifteen minutes from the end. The young attacking midfielder/striker showed enough in that cameo to suggest that he will develop into a fine Premeir League player.

The full time whistle brought muted boos which could not be for the effort displayed but more likely for the total lack of any class from two teams in what must go down as one of the dullest derbies ever and on last night's evidence both teams will be there or thereabouts come relegation time in May.

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