Bolton defied monsoon conditions at Wigan to chalk up a third straight league win thanks to two more goals from the in-form Zoltan Harsanyi.

On a night more suitable for water polo, the Slovakian struck with assured finishes either side of the break to lift Bolton up to third in the table.

The pitch at Robin Park was barely playable but Bolton ploughed through the mud and standing water to turn in an impressive performance which must have delighted reserve team boss Alan Cork.

Bolton dominated the opening stages with Harsanyi teeing up a chance for Michael Burns, which he lifted over, and Temitope Obadeyi stinging the hands of Wigan keeper Richard Kingson with a long-range effort.

Jarsolaw Fojut also twice went close with headers from corners, although Adam Bogdan had to be alert at the other end to keep out a low shot from Lewis Montrose.

Jon Routledge also wasted a decent chance as Wigan began to press but they were caught out five minutes before the break when Harsanyi sprinted clear from half-way and before keeping his composure to beat Kingson.

Bolton came out in a dry strip at the start of the second half and had to soak up a spell of Wigan pressure to preserve their lead.

Chris Basham made a timely block to deny Joe Holt but Bolton were always lively on the break and got their second after 57 minutes when Harsanyi again jinked through the Latics' defence and wrong-footed Kingson with a low shot into the bottom corner.

Substitute Michael O'Halloran went close to a third goal and although Wigan hit back to finish strongly the impressive Bogdan got the clean sheet he deserved with fine late saves from Andrew Pearson and Matty Hampson to take Bolton into the Christmas break in fine fettle.

Wigan: Kingson, Field (Buxton 60), Edman, Routledge, Pearson, Ashworth, Hampson, Montrose, Cywka, Holt (Kirkbride 63), Kupisz. Substitutes: Postlethwaite, Mustoe, Redmond.

Bolton: Bogdan, Sinclair, Carlisle, Sheridan, Fojut, Basham, Burns (O'Halloran 73), Sissons, Obadeyi, Campbell, Harsanyi. Substitutes: Mooy, Eckersley, Riley, Lainton.