Bolton replaced Portsmouth as Sky Bet League One leaders, with top scorer Dion Charles scoring twice to help thrash struggling Exeter 7-0 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Grecians boss Gary Caldwell went into the contest boosted by backing from club directors and owners, but in-form Wanderers handed the Scot a reality check with an eighth successive win in all competitions – their biggest of the campaign.
Ian Evatt’s side laboured for 34 minutes to break the deadlock against the early-season leaders of the third tier.
But when Jack Iredale headed in from Charles’ cross, the outcome was never in doubt.
Striker Victor Adeboyejo doubled Bolton’s lead before half-time, netting for the first time in two months.
Caldwell used defender Cheick Diabate as a striker but his services may have been better deployed in a more familiar position.
Paris Maghoma made it 3-0 after 55 minutes before Northern Ireland international Charles took over.
His 12th and 13th league goals of the season came 11 minutes apart while substitutes Kyle Dempsey and Dan Nlundulu completed the rout late on.
