The result left the Trotters without a home win since the opening day of the season and staring at the dismal prospect of a relegation dogfight.

That Everton's winner from Marouane Fellaini arrived in the 90th minute merely compounded Bolton's misery and turned up the heat on under-fire manager Gary Megson.

Cahill told Wanderers World: "The lads are absolutely devastated and we are still thinking how we've lost that game.

"It's just a terrible feeling because we put the effort in, but nothing fell for us up front and we concede a sloppy goal to lose the game.

"We haven't had that break for a bit and Wednesday night obviously summed that up.

"Our work-rate, effort and commitment were first class, but the ball just isn't falling for us."

A chronic lack of firepower is seriously undermining the Trotters' efforts.

They have failed to score in four of their last five games and showed precious little quality in attack against Everton.

Cahill added: "There were a lot of down faces and everyone is probably thinking the same as me, waiting for it to sink in that we've actually lost that game because we were on top and played some good stuff."

Sunday's home clash against neighbours Manchester City has now taken on added significance for Megson and his players.

Rediscovering a winning formula will be far easier said than done, admitted Cahill.

"You got to turn it round and forget about it because you can't go back in the past and change what has happened, but it is easier said than done," said the former Aston Villa defender.

"It's one of those things you have to put behind you and go again on Sunday."