Spirited Bolton Defeat Blackburn

Blackburn failed to capitilize after Bolton were reduced to 10 men, as the home outfit pinched a late winner via Stuart Holden, taking all 3 points, 2-1.

Martin Olsson returned from injury for Blackburn, taking his place on the left side of midfield, whilst El Hadji Diouf played the supporting role.


Robinson
Salgado (Dunn 72)
Samba
Nelsen
Givet
Olsson (Mame Diouf 61)
Emerton
Jones
Pedersen
El-Hadji Diouf (Hoilett 77)
Roberts

It was a first half of very few chances in the latest edition of the Lancashire Derby. Both teams really only had 1 opportunity each. For Bolton, they could have been up within the opening 10 minutes. A perfectly struck cross from Petrov only need to be glanced in by Elmander, however the big Swede just couldnt connect.

Blackburn’s only real chance of the half came from a set piece. Morten Gamst Pedersen lined it up from just outside the box. His venoumous strike was parried by Jussi J, with Gael Givet failing to put the ball in an open net, striking wide and high.

Half time came with the scores still locked, and both teams looking to win the fight rather then the match with a few tough challenges.

The second half started differently. Bolton immediately upped the tempo, with Davies holding the ball well and Holden moving it around in midfield. However the game took a twist, with Mark Davies picking up a second yellow card, leaving the Bolton fans filthy.

Suprisingly though, Bolton managed to hold the ball well, and did their best to initially slow the game down. Rovers were then ruing their luck. A neat cross by EH Diouf found a leaping Samba, however his header was struck directly at a lunging Kevin Davies, clearing of the line. THe following corner was handled by a Bolton defender, missed by the referee and his assistant.

Bolton then countered and picked up a free kick from 30 yards. The ball was floated into the box, with Fabrice Muamba picking up the scraps, cutting inside of Nelsen and blasting into the bottom corner….1-0 Bolton

Bolton could of been 2-0 up within minutes, after Petrov fired home, however referee Clattenberg called play back after a foul on Nelsen.

Rovers upped the tempo, bringing on David Dunn and MB Diouf. And it was the latter making the difference, collecting a first time pass from Jason Roberts, then dinking into the back of the net…1-1

Celebrations didnt last long though, as Bolton regained there lead from the kick off. A long ball was flicked down by Kevin Davies, with Stuart Holden chest then volleying to send the home crowd into raptures. 2-1 Bolton…

Poor defending cost Rovers, who could of sealed a top 10 spot, however are now holding onto 13th position as Bolton climb into the top 6.