Goals from Gary Speed and Ivan Campo extended Liverpool's winless streak away from home in the Premiership to four games, but the 2005 European champions were outplayed and outfought by Sam Allardyce's team.

And although Bolton's opener came as a result of a poor decision by linesman Andy Halliday, Reina's subsequent failure to keep out Speed's free-kick set Liverpool on course for their latest costly defeat.

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool boss Benitez tinkered with his starting eleven for the 94th successive game, but the omission of England striker Peter Crouch after his two-goal Champions League display against Galatasaray was perhaps the most unexpected change.

Crouch had to settle for a place on the bench as Benitez opted to pair Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy up front, but the switch looked to be paying off as Liverpool made the brighter start.

Dutch striker Kuyt was unlucky not to put the visitors ahead on nine minutes when he outjumped his marker to aim a powerful header goalwards from Steven Gerrard's free-kick.

Kuyt did everything right by heading the ball downwards, but goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen reacted well to push the ball away.

Norwegian full-back John Arne Riise then drilled a 20-yard strike wide before Xabi Alonso struck the post with a right-foot volley from the edge of the penalty area after good work by Bellamy.

Bolton had done little to worry Liverpool until keeper Reina was harshly judged to have handled the ball outside the area by linesman Halliday on 30 minutes.

TV replays showed that Reina was well inside his area as he released the ball, but referee Phil Dowd awarded Bolton a free-kick and veteran Speed took full advantage by scoring from the set-piece.

Former Villarreal keeper Reina should have done much better with the strike, though. Having lined up his wall, the Spaniard inexplicably dived behind it as Speed's strike flew into the corner that he should have been guarding.

Liverpool were unfortunate to fall behind and they attempted to haul themselves level before the break when Gerrard's 20-yard volley was well saved by Jaaskelainen.

Poor defending away from home has been a key factor in Liverpool's troubles on the road however and they pressed the self-destruct button again early in the second half.

Striker Kevin Davies was allowed too much time and space on the right flank by Riise and he crossed for Campo at the far post. The former Real Madrid midfielder outjumped Steve Finnan and powered a header against the underside of the crossbar, the ball bouncing down over the line.

Liverpool vainly attempted to get themselves back into the game, but they were restricted to long range strikes from Xabi Alonso, all of which were straightforward for Jaaskelainen.

Bolton were able to keep Benitez's men at arm's length until the final whistle and leave Liverpool still searching for their first win at the Reebok since 2002.