Dack a derby delight for Mowbray’s men

BRADLEY DACK scored the only goal of this Lancashire derby to guide Blackburn to ninth in the Championship table.

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

Tony Mowbray’s side were grateful to keeper David Raya who saved from Will Buckley and Josh Magennis who did everything but score in the first half.

Rovers also profited from a linesman’s flag in the final minutes when captain Charlie Mulgrew pulled down Christian Doidge in front of goal.

Referee Darren Bond awarded a penalty only for Doidge to have been offside as Rovers heaved a sigh of relief.

Victory leaves Blackburn 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 quickly and were comfortable in possession with Elliott Bennett finding space on the right and Reed busy all over the pitch.

After the visitors took the lead, Wanderers hit back with Rovers keeper Raya kept busy, palming away Buckley’s low shot before tipping Magennis’ firm header over from Erhun Oztumer’s corner.

Magennis did manage to beat Raya with a looping header only for Mulgrew to head off the line.

In the second half, sub Yanic Wildschut squandered a great chance for Bolton when he sent shot meekly at Raya when clean through.

Rovers came close to doubling their lead when sub Adam Armstrong’s fierce angled drive was beaten out by Matthews.

Lowe’s header was palmed clear by Raya and captain David Wheater nodded wide as the hosts failed to find an equaliser.