Champ – Bolton 2-1 Blackburn

Blackburn slipped to a Boxing Day defeat against rivals Bolton at the Macron Stadium.

A first half lead was lost with two goals in three second half minutes, including a debut goal from Heskey, secured Bolton the two-one win.

With less than a minute played Blackburn threatened a goal but Rhodes header, with Bolton ‘keeper Lonergan beaten, hit the post. Lonergan was called into action to save from Cairney and again to keep out Marshall’s strike. A rare chance for Bolton saw Feeney’s cross to veteran Gudjohnsen, who wasn’t able to hit the target.

Rhodes, put through by Marshall, was denied with a one-on-one with Lonergan before finally the pressure told and Blackburn took the lead. King (41), with appeals for offside waved away, went round Lonergan to give Blackburn a half time lead.

Feeney clipped the bar as a leveller almost came with Bolton making a half time change, turning to former Blackburn trialist Heskey, who made an instant impact. Former England international Heskey (59) was free to turn the ball into an empty need just ahead of the hour mark. Minutes later a Feeney corner was knocked on by Dervite and Pratley (62) put Bolton ahead.

Rhodes had the ball in the net for Blackburn again but this was ruled out for a foul with Lonergan again making saved to frustrate the visitors and see Bolton celebrating a two-one win.

The second half was much more even but Heskey-inspired Bolton made their rivals pay for their profligacy in front of goal.