On the back of a 5-2 victory over Barnsley, Rovers went into the match oozing confidence.
Having lost to Bolton in all four of the last meetings, fans wanted revenge – and Gary Bowyer’s blue and white army delivered.
The local derby kicked off with a dominating Rovers, pushing up early on with chances created by Tom Cairney and Josh King.
David Dunn opened the scoring in the 26th minute with an absolute beauty. He broke into the box from the left and slotted it past Adam Bogdan in the right corner.
Just one minute later Jordan Rhodes doubled Rovers lead after linking up with Dunn.
The pressure continued and new boy Ben Marshall was unlucky as his shot hit the inside of the post after Bogdan’s fingertips made contact.
Just before the break Baptiste delivered a blow as he smashed the ball into the roof of the net past Jake Kean, giving the away side an opportunity to get back into the game.
The two teams returned unchanged but Bolton came out to offer a spell of pressure.
The first ten minutes of the second half were dangerous for Rovers defence as Baptiste and Jay Spearing missed opportunities.
Rovers managed to clear the shots and were able to turn the game back around.
Corry Evans made his home debut replacing David Dunn in the 59th minute and within ten minutes of appearing he made it 3-1 for Rovers, after thumping the ball into the top corner.
Jordan Rhodes finished the game with a fourth goal for the home side in the 83rd minute leaving Bolton with no hopes of getting back into the game.
Josh King was deservedly awarded man of the match despite being substituted with five minutes to go after 85 minutes of hard work, pacy breaks and ample opportunity.
Rovers next play Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday 14th where they will be looking for a third consecutive victory.
Written by Anna-Louise Adams (@annalouiseadams)
Player Ratings
Jake Kean
Jake Kean performed calmly and confidently. He wasn’t forced to work too hard but made the save when they were required. The first goal was down to poor defending and Kean had little chance of saving the shot.
Todd Kane
A great performance which added to his display against Barnsley has proven to sceptics that he is most certainly back on form. Hungry for the ball, quick to defend and determined to get upfield he contributed brilliantly.
Scott Dann
As always, a solid performance. However, the defence on the whole was slightly sloppy at times today and as captain that is something Dann needs to evaluate.
Grant Hanley
Similar performance to Dann, the defence definitely needs some working on as there was far too much space for Bolton to break through at various times in the game.
Tommy Spurr
Spurr has impressed again after another good match. He s a very attacking defender and likes to get upfield. Despite this he will always get back when the opposition look threatening.
Jason Lowe
The midfield looked commanding and strong for much of today’s game and Jason Lowe is beginning to look far more confident. The passing style that Bowyer has initiated seems to be working for him.
Tom Cairney
A faultless performance. A young player who puts 100% in. He is developing a very positive link up with Jordan Rhodes which is allowing more service for Rhodes as well as creating chances for himself.
Ben Marshall
Difficult to judge after one match. He only arrive yesterday so hasn’t had time to gel with the squad or get used to the style of play. On that basis he did fairly well for himself.
David Dunn
A superb performance made by Dunn. He held the midfield together and opened the scoring. As an older, experienced player he is able to encourage and hold together the younger players
Josh King
King seems like a different player, while he still has hesitant tendencies and still appears to panic at times, he is using his pace brilliantly and is more open to taking a shot.
Jordan Rhodes
He scored two making it four in two games. He’s getting more service thanks do Cairney and King and it is certainly helping him find the net!
Corry Evans
Evans came on for Dunn and while not the most confident of players he scored a goal and has a lot of potential.
Chris Taylor
Another hungry player who wants the points. For a deader, he’s a rather good winger.
Morris appeared confident and was able to fit in with his team easily.
