Moses' return coincided with a better performance from the Latics who despite sporting a 'second string' line up were more than a match for a full strength Bolton team.
Despite his defensive frailties, Jordi Gomez was pulling the strings in the middle of the park, spraying the all important passes through to Moses who was making Bolton full back Sam Ricketts look amatuer.
There were also much improved performances from Ben Watson and Momo Diame in the centre of the park, who almost got close to the effort and desire shown each week by James McArthur.
Callum McManaman once again proved that he is a more than capable deputy for Hugo Rodallega. The 19 year old striker gave David Wheater and Zat Knight problems all afternoon, and was unlucky not to score with a powerful second half volley in front of the travelling fans.
Adrian Lopez 'Piscu' also put in a good shift. He's not the most powerful, nor the quickest, but the former Deportivo defender who arrived on a free transfer last month showed some excellent positioning ability and dealt with the threat of Kevin Davies very well.
His partnership with Gary Caldwell was assured, and although we still showed a very annoying undertone of the odd lapse in concentration, a big bug bear with Latics fans this season, the team managed to escape as Petrov fired wide.
A reply with Bolton scheduled for the week of Valentines day at the DW Stadium will hopefully keep the romance of the FA Cup going.
The Latics sold out their 2,000 allocation for the game, and supporters were queuing round the stadium outside as the Trotters allowed pay on the day for the away fans.
The lower tier behind the goal was rocking at the Reebok as the Latics following made the whole day feel like a home game. More of the same in the reply and the Latics could be in the fifth round.
Obviously with one eye on Tuesday's vital clash with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthrons, Martinez rested James McArthur and Victor Moses for the final twenty minutes as James McCarthy and Franco Di Santo were given the opportunity to increase their match fitness.
The Latics are very much at full strength now, and just in time for hte crucial games with the Baggies and Blackburn Rovers. Only Tom Cleverley remains on the sidelines and he is only said to be weeks away from a return, probably after the game against his own club, Manchester United.
Roberto Di Matteo will be none too keen on facing the Latics even given his desperate last minute window addition of Carlos Vela from Arsenal. Charles N'Zogbia, Hugo Rodallega, Victor Moses, James McCarthy, Franco Di Santo, Callum McManaman, Momo Diame, James McArthur, and possibly even a fully firing Jordi Gomez and Ben Watson, the Latics could just be peaking at the right time as everyone else starts to flag ahead of the finishing straight.
Here is the reaction of those involved.
Roberto Martinez
Victor had been very frustrated, as has everyone. He is a really talented young man and it's been a real shame not to have him on the pitch the last few weeks. He was a bit tired at the end of the game but he is going to be a major player for us until the end of the campaign.
He is actually three weeks ahead of schedule. That comes down to his desire and hard work behind the scenes. He has been working with the group for 10 days and was ready for the game but I didn't think he would last as long as he did.
It's very positive for us. I made eight changes and games like this are good for my young players who need to play in certain conditions. Individually there were two or three very good performances. These players are shouting to stay in the first team and that is very positive.
This was a complete performance and we need to take it into the next match and the end of the season. I am very pleased we kept a clean sheet - we showed great concentration. It was always going to be a difficult game as Bolton know how to hurt you especially at the Reebok Stadium. But we finished with more shots on target and more corners than the home side and I'm very pleased about that.
Owen Coyle
Both teams had chances and we had two gilt opportunities but Wigan defended for their lives. It was a terrific debut for Wheater. He looked very accomplished and was very dominant in the air but we all know that.
When you're having a spell like this as a striker you have to keep banging on the door and eventually it will fly open. I have no fears that will happen.
Next game
Next up for the Latics is Tuesday nights visit to the Hawthorns to face Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom side and Paul Scharner. The Latics will be hoping for maximum points in what will be a very tough and tight contest between two sides at the wrong end of the table.
The game is scheduled for broadcast by Sky Sports and tickets are priced at just £12 for away supporters. If the Latics fans travel as they did for the game with Bolton, the Hawthorns will feel like another home venue for the players.