DEJECTED Bolton fans are facing heartbreak after the Whites crashed out of the FA Cup.
There was to be no repeat of Wanderers' FA Cup heroics and no "White Hot 4" headlines as Liverpool narrowly overcame Bolton at the Macron.
The Whites led for much of the game thanks to a penalty from Eidur Gudjohnsen after young starlet Zach Clough was brought down in the box, but Liverpool came back to win 2-1.
Coutinho and Sterling netted for the Merseysiders in a game that turned when Neil Danns was sent off.
Devastated fans in the ground and in pubs in the town centre spoke of their disappointment.
Chris Davies, aged 27, from Sharples, was at The Macron.
He said: "It was an even match but the sending off changed everything.
"We matched them, but in the end that bit of quality shone through. I'm gutted, but they did Bolton proud."
Fans at Hogarths pub experienced a whole range of emotions — but ultimately came away with a feeling of dejection after Liverpool snatched a late victory.
The Churchgate pub was was rocking when the 59th minute penalty went in, but the atmosphere fell flat as Liverpool started to edge their way ahead.
Anthony Whyment, aged 36, from Darcy Lever, said: "We haven't disgraced ourselves, and overall I was really proud of the team. It would have been different if Danns hadn't been sent off."
Frankie Auty, also aged 36, from Daubhill, added: "Over the two legs, to play as well as we did against Liverpool was a great achievement. I'm obviously disappointed, but they did well."
Supporters also took to Twitter to express their sadness — but again praised Bolton for their efforts on the night.
Kimberley Ashworth tweeted: "Liverpool didn't deserve that win. @OfficialBWFC played better throughout!!"
John Hayes tweeted: "BWFC did themselves and the fans proud, passion, pride, the whites are back."
Gary Cleary tweeted: “Credit to Neil Lennon. Worried the Scousers quite a bit...”
Marcus tweeted: “Enjoyed the match but a 1-0 victory denied via naive play from Dann & schoolboy ball watching Trotter... Good effort .”
Before the game, fans were in a confident mood with many predicting a win for Bolton.
Kim Stewart, aged 25, from Tonge Fold, said: "I think we'll do it. We watched the first game on TV. We're season ticket holders.
"Win or lose Neil Lennon has done a fantastic job. He's brought the atmosphere back. All the fans believe in the club again."
- Follow all the action as it happened in our matchday live report here.
- FA CUP VERDICT: Bolton Wanderers 1 Liverpool 2
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