Allardyce happy to settle for UEFA Cup

Teymourian, thrown into this derby clash because of suspensions to Ivan Campo and Kevin Nolan, emerged as the match-winner with his first Premiership goals for Bolton.

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He took Bolton up to fifth place in the table with two goals in five minutes when the score was 1-1.

In the 68th minute he cooly dispatched a first-time finish through the legs of goalkeeper John Filan after being put clear by El-Hadji Diouf.

Then he rose to nod in a Kevin Davies cross to ensure Wigan's relegation worries remain.

"I didn't even know he could head it," smiled manager Sam Allardyce. "His first goal was a fantastic finish. Even Nicolas Anelka might have taken a touch before putting in a shot but he didn't need to."

Bolton could climb into a Champions League spot if they beat Everton tomorrow and Arsenal lose again at Newcastle but Allardyce does not want to tempt fate after seeing a top-four challenge falter disastrously a few seasons ago.

"We are not big enough for the Champions League — it would destroy this club," he said half-mockingly. "No, I am only interested in the UEFA Cup. I remember what happened before."

Wigan boss Paul Jewell would love such a dilemma. Survival is the only thought on his mind after his side again failed to capitalise on taking the lead.

They have thrown away more winning positions than any other team in the league and it was the same old story after Emile Heskey bundled a Paul Scharner over the line for his 100th league goal.

Allardyce responded by storming down from his seat in his stand and taking off Tal Ben Haim for a more regular left-back, Ricardo Gardner.

Allardyce said: "It is very rare I need to make tactical substitutions in the first half. But I had to take Ben Haim off because Antonio Valencia was causing trouble down that side and we couldn't afford to let Heskey and Caleb Folan get on the end of too many crosses."

It worked, for suddenly Bolton looked like a team capable of claiming a European place and levelled a minute before the break when Diouf shot and the ball flew in off Anelka from a couple of yards.

"We are a bit milky at times," said a despondent Jewell, whose team go to Aston Villa tomorrow only a couple of points clear of Sheffield United and Charlton.

"It's a dogfight but it is still in our hands. If we don't get out of it, it will be no-one else's fault but ours."

Wigan sent on Henri Camara, back after a long injury,after 64 minutes but it was Bolton who looked inspired.

David Thompson and Kevin Davies left Matt Jackson and Ryan Taylor in a heap with tigerish tackles and then Bolton showed they can also play football.

Diouf's control of a clearance from goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was masterful and he waited until Teymourian had passed him on the overlap.

The ball was slipped through with perfect weight and the Iranian, who scored twice on his Bolton debut against Doncaster, slipped his first Premiership goal between Filan's legs.

Five minutes later, it was all over when Davies crossed from the right and Teymourian headed in.

Filan, who had endured an unhappy afternoon apart from one blinding reflex save from Diouf, desperately ran across his goal to try to keep the header out but by the time he clutched it, the ball had gone over the line.