DACK’S THE WAY TO DO IT

BRADLEY DACK scored the only goal of the game to guide Blackburn to ninth in the Championship with victory in a gritty Lancashire derby.

Dack slotted home his sixth goal of the season in the 22nd minute, pouncing on the rebound after Harrison Reed and Joe Rothwell had both been thwarted.

Tony Mowbray’s side were grateful to a series of saves from keeper David Ray, while Josh Magennis did everything but score in the first half.

Rovers also profited from a linesman’s flag in the final minutes when Charlie Mulgrew pulled down attacker Christian Doidge in front of goal. Referee Darren Bond awarded a penalty only for Doidge to have been adjudged offside as Rovers heaved a sigh of relief.

Victory leaves Rovers outside the top six on goal difference alone but for Bolton it means they have just one win in eight games and lie 16th.

Rovers settled the quicker of the teams and were comfortable in possession with Elliott Bennett finding space on the right and midfielder Reed busy all over the pitch.

Trotters keeper Remi Matthews was forced to punch the ball clear under pressure before Magennis’ free-kick for the hosts was deflected over.

The visitors took the lead midway through the half when Dack slotted home after Reed and Rothwell both had efforts repelled.

Wanderers hit back with Rovers keeper Raya in the thick of the action, palming away Will Buckley’s low shot before tipping Magennis’ firm header over from Erhun Oztumer’s resulting corner. The second half started where the first half ended with the game open and closely fought.

Rovers came close to doubling their lead with little more than 10 minutes left when substitute Adam Armstrong’s fierce angled drive was beaten out by Matthews.

Then came that late drama when a penalty was awarded for Bolton and then overturned before Blackburn claimed all three points.