Chris Powell was left to rue the golden chances which got away as Huddersfield Town suffered a third consecutive defeat away from home and slipped to 19th in the Championship as a result.
Recalled striker Nahki Wells, back in place of the injured Harry Bunn, and Jacob Butterfield brought fine saves from Andy Lonergan either side of half-time.
Then Craig Davies, who had earlier hit the bar, clinched it for 18th-placed Bolton with a 67th-minute breakthrough goal in front of 15,924, (1,962 Town fans).
“Whoever got the first goal would take something from the game,” said Powell, whose side started the day in 14th.
“It was fine lines as Craig Davies hit the bar in the first half and Andy Lonergan made a good save from Nahki Wells. But the save from Jacob was the turning point.
“A similar chance for Bolton went in while ours hit their keeper.”
After a run of 15 points from a possible 21, Town have taken just one from 12.
“Results haven’t gone our way,” continued Powell. “I’ve got a disappointed changing room because we were very much in the game and it’s the sort you look to take something from because of the positions of both teams.
“We know Bolton had uplift with Neil Lennon coming in, but we felt comfortable coming here and playing the way we did. The chances were there for us to take something. I think a draw would’ve reflected the game.”
It’s third-placed Brentford up next – the Bees will be chasing a sixth straight win at the John Smith’s Stadium – and Powell pointed out: “We can’t lose determination and focus as we know we can get results.
“We’ve got to show real determination to turn it around. We’ll train hard and recover.”
The boss believes he will be without Bunn (thigh) and keeper Joe Murphy (foot) for at least a fortnight.
And he will run checks on Joel Lynch and Sean Scannell, who suffered groin and thigh injuries respectively and had to be substituted against Bolton.
