BOLTON // Manager Gary Megson saw his Bolton side carve out a number of good chances but a point was all they took from this gritty local derby. They were almost made to pay for their poor finishing with Carlos Villanueva hitting the bar and Jason Roberts sending a weak header wide of the post from close range. While the teeming rain did not help the entertainment value, the supporters from both sides deserved better.
It means Bolton's dismal run against their near-neighbours continues - they have never beaten them at home in the Premier League. However Megson's side almost took the lead inside the first minute when Johan Elmander picked out Fabrice Muamba with a neat ball. Muamba clipped in a shot that was cleared at the back post by Blackburn skipper Ryan Nelsen on his 31st birthday. Blackburn had picked up the pace a little and Robbie Fowler, given his first league start for the club by coach Paul Ince, flicked the ball into the path of Roberts but he strayed marginally offside.
Villanueva almost made the breakthrough in the 39th minute when he took a pass from Brett Emerton in his stride. He cracked in a sweet shot that beat goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen but struck the corner of the bar. Then Roberts headed wide from close range following good work again from Emerton. The wet condition meant the players were having difficulty with their footing and the tackles were beginning to fly in and the second-half fizzled out, leaving both managers frustrated. * PA Sport