Paris Maghoma rescued a point but a 2-2 Sky Bet League One draw with Shrewsbury dented Bolton’s hopes of automatic promotion.
The third tier’s lowest scorers twice shocked their hosts by taking the lead.
But facing a first home defeat to their visitors for 34 years, Bolton salvaged a draw when Maghoma fired home his ninth goal of the campaign after 71 minutes.
However, Ian Evatt’s side still trail second-placed Derby by three points, with both teams having two further games to play.
Shrewsbury survived an early scare when Mal Benning deflected a Cameron Jerome effort against his own post.
Shrews goalkeeper Marko Marosi – in excellent form throughout – twice denied Aaron Collins before Tom Bloxham’s surging run and excellent delivery set up Daniel Udoh’s 21st-minute opener.
Veteran Jerome equalised after 41 minutes with his first Bolton league goal and first since scoring for Luton in October 2022.
But Jordan Shipley’s stunning left-footed effort from Elliott Bennett’s corner, two minutes later, restored Town’s lead.
In the second half, Bolton battered away in vain until Maghoma’s goal salvaged a draw.
