Erwin wins it for super Latics

Photo: Anthony Miller

GOAL . . . Lee Erwin

ATHLETIC 1, BOLTON 0

LEE Erwin claimed his 10th goal of the season as 10-man Athletic took a huge leap to safety with a superb victory over promotion chasing Bolton.

Michael Ngoo's second yellow card in the 65th minute put John Sheridan's side up against it in a hard-fought derby.

But when Tope Obadeyi crossed hard from the right after 76 minutes, Wanderers goalkeeper Mark Howard palmed the ball out and it hit Jay Spearing, rebounding into a vacant goal with Erwin making sure of matters from on the line.

Erwin had earlier fired wide shortly after Ngoo had been given his marching orders for a second yellow card, tackling Dean Moxey from behind out on the right touchline.

Bolton pressed and Adam Le Fondre flicked the ball against the face of the crossbar as a corner was redirected into the six-yard box.

Chris Long also smashed a shot against the bar in added time as Bolton tried to find an equaliser.

But Athletic held on for a fully deserved win, taking their season's tally to 51 points against a side primed for the Championship next season.