Liverpool went at Bolton from the off with Ryan Flynn almost setting up Krisztian Nemeth but the Hungarian was just a bit too slow to react to Flynn's cross.
Jay Spearing then hit the woodwork direct from a corner kick before Flynn brought out a good save from the Bolton keeper.
A goal was clearly coming and it duly arrived on 14 minutes. Ray Putterill went on a mazy run down the left side before crossing into the box where Nemeth was waiting to tap in his seventh goal in seven appearances.
Nemeth almost made it 2-0 after 23 minutes when he fired a powerful free kick goalwards but it went the wrong side of the post to the relief of the keeper. Emiliano Insua then set up Flynn who again saw a good shot saved.
With Liverpool clearly on top it was a suprise when the second half fizzled out with neither side really creating a chance of note. The important thing though was getting the three points and also allowing Daniel Agger to play an hour without any problems.
The reserves face second placed Man City next Wednesday and a win there will see the Reds take one step nearer their seventeenth reserve league title.