Wanderers failed to find a way through struggling Morecambe in a scrappy game at the Mazuma Stadium.

Ian Evatt’s side had a few good chances – most notably in the first half for Shola Shoretire and Conor Bradley – and also had a big penalty shout turned down by referee Oliver Langford.

But Morecambe, who had lost just once in 11 home outings, also fashioned a few good chances of their own, the best falling to Liam Shaw just before half time.

Wanderers started and finished the first half brightly but, for the most part, struggled to get their passing game going.

Conor Ripley made two big saves early on to push aside Shola Shoretire’s drive and another powerful effort from Declan John. But the promising football of the opening exchanges soon petered out and Morecambe took control.

Big defender Farren Rawson headed just over the bar and Jensen Weir twice got a good look at James Trafford’s goal – the second chance coming after a mistake from John.

On the ball, Bolton were unusually wasteful, struggling to find space or getting the right ball in behind Morecambe’s defenders to exploit Charles’s pace.

The Shrimps had the chance of the half when Ash Hunter got in behind Declan John and swung a cross in for Liam Shaw – who headed wastefully wide.

Things improved slightly after half time, although Wanderers were again guilty of over-playing around the penalty box.

Ripley made one fine save from Sheehan after he got a shot away from close range, and also blocked a late angled shot from sub Dan Nlundulu.

Bolton had plenty of territorial advantage in the second half but having pressed hard in the early exchanges Morecambe started to sit deeper as the game went on, holding on resolutely to their point.