SO OFTEN in local derbies long-time enemies attempt to out-muscle and out-think eachother so much that the match results in a total deadlock, with no goals and very little by way of real chances. And today’s Lancashire derby at the Reebok was no different.
The entertainment was definitely kept to the stands with both sets of supporters vociforous as they attempted to out-sing the other. However on the pitch chances were at a premium, and the game was by and large a scrappy affair that was destined to end all-square.
The first chance of the game was a free-kick taken by Robbie Savage, but it came to nothing as Savage’s fellow countryman Gary Speed headed clear. What caused the foul however also caused controversy as Stelios’ high challenge on Savage was nowhere near as bad as the ex-Birmingham man made it out to be.
Referee Graham Poll soon ruled himself out of a Christmas present this year from Sam Allardyce after failing to award Giannokopolous a free-kick despite being scythed down by Robbie Savage, but just seconds later punished Ivan Campo with a booking for commiting a much more mellow foul on Morten Gamst Pedersen.
Bolton’s first real opportunity of the match came towards the end of the first half, Ivan Campo wasting a free header from Gary Speed’s corner, Campo’s effort sailing over Brad Friedel’s bar. That was pretty much all the first half had to offer, and neither side could really say they deserved to go into the interval with an advantage.
The home side came close once again after the break when Ricardo Gardner, on for Stelios just a few minutes previously, beat Robbie Savage before firing over the Blackburn bar.
With around half an hour to go Rovers brought on summer signings David Bentley and Shefki Kuqi, and that gave the visitors that fresh impetus that saw the possession and opportunities switch their way.
Space in the Bolton half was capitalised on by Brett Emerton, and but for a crucial intervention by Bruno N’Gotty, Shefki Kuqi would surely have buried Emerton’s cross in the back on the Bolton net.
A collective gasp rose up around the Reebok as a poor backpass from Tal-Ben Haim very nearly let in Kuqi for his first goal for the club, but Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was out quickly to clear any danger.
Shortly after and another chance went begging for Blackburn, Aaron Mokoena firing high into the stand behind the goal. Bolton were holding firm but it was clear for all to see that Blackburn were getting a hold on this game.
The Whites responded to the barrage of chances with an effort of their own, Jay-Jay Okocha’s free-kick bringing out Brad Friedel’s first save of the match. Blackburn would soon be back on the offensive however.
Henrik Pedersen was spared any blushes after a defensive mistake allowed Steven Reid to gain possession in a dangerous area, but Reid’s well-struck effort was palmed away by Jaaskelainen.
Rovers substitute David Bentley also came close, a long range lob very nearly catching out the Bolton keeper, Jaaskelainen tipping over from right underneath his crossbar.
But the main chance for the away side to bag all three points came on 80 minutes a poor punch from Jussi Jaaskelainen fell straight to Lucas Neill, but his shot was screwed wide, summing up the afternoon perfectly.
One or two boos were heard as referee Graham Poll brought the match to a close, but Bolton quite simply could not break down the solid Blackburn side. Rovers are now looking a decent side that are becoming increasingly stronger at the back, and will be happy with a hard-earned point.
So the derby was not all it was cracked up to be, and rather than producing the end-to-end thriller all hoped for, it was a scruffy stalemate that never really looked like going either way.
Final score from the Reebok, Bolton Wanderers 0 Blackburn Rovers 0