Sunderland, who guaranteed their survival last week, produced a largely insipid display as they suffered a seventh defeat in seven Premier League games in the North West this season.

Kevin Davies headed over the bar in the best chance of the first half hour, when he should have put Bolton ahead.

But they made the breakthrough three minutes before half-time when El Hadji Diouf, making his last appearance at the Reebok Stadium, expertly finished off Kevin Nolan's deep cross to the back post, curling home a fine effort into Craig Gordon's top-left corner.

Diouf headed against the post early in the second half, before Sunderland were given a much-needed boost by a triple substitution on the hour. They rallied and had a spell of pressure as nerves began to tell for Gary Megson's side.

Sunderland should have levelled on 69 minutes. Andy Reid floated a ball across the box to sub Roy O'Donovan, who headed across the face of goal for lurking striker Kenwyne Jones, but the Trinidad and Tobago star could not get a touch with his flailing boot and Bolton escaped.

It proved the game's pivotal moment.

Diouf headed wide on 73 minutes before Bolton sealed victory with eight minutes to go.

Former Sunderland target Matt Taylor drilled over an inswinging right-wing corner and Sunderland sub Daryl Murphy got the decisive touch with his head to sent it flying past Gordon and over the line before Reid could attempt to clear.

Sunderland made just one change to the side which beat Middlesbrough last week, with Carlos Edwards replaced by fit-again Jonny Evans, forcing a reshuffle for Roy Keane's side.