Blackburn Rovers Reserves 1 Bolton Wanderers Reserves 1

Last updated : 16 November 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers reserves claimed a useful point against near neighbours Blackburn Rovers in a 1-1 draw at Morecambe's Christie Park ground.

Wanderers played most of the game with ten men as the former Real Madrid defender Julio Cesar was dismissed for a second bookable offence following a challenge on Rovers forward Jemal Johnson in the 22nd minute.

The Trotters had earlier taken the lead on 17 minutes thanks to an acrobatic effort from the in form Portuguese teenager Ricardo Vaz-Te whilst at the other end Matt Derbyshire had the ball in the net for Rovers but this was to be ruled out for offside.

Derbyshire again tested the Bolton defence shortly before the break but veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole managed to avert the danger with a fine save at his near post.

Unfortunately Poole could do little to stop Rovers equalising goal just a minute or so later. Midfielder Gary Harkins hit an excellent strike from all of 30-yards which beat the Wanderers stopper all ends up. Harkins had both Ciaran Donnelly and Jemal Johnson to thank for some fine build up play.

After the break Johnson went close to securing a second goal for Blackburn whilst Vaz-Te tried to do likewise at the other end for Bolton but was unable to force Rovers keeper David Yelldell into making a save.

In the closing moments former Great Harwood Town player Derbyshire hit the woodwork for the home side whilst both Donnelly and Harkins went close to snatching a Rovers win late on.

For Wanderers it is a useful point gained given the numerical advantage of their hosts and the result will go some way to banishing last week's defeat to Newcastle United which brought a fine two month run to an end.

BOLTON RESERVES: Kevin Poole, Danny Livesey, Jason Talbot, Charlie Comyn-Platt, Julio Cesar, Ivan Campo, Joey O'Brien, Craig Knowles, Ricardo Vaz-Te, Ricky Shakes, Reda Kribib

SUBS: Dale Whitehead, Rhys Powell, Karl Luisi, Bradley Hill, Luke Magill

ROVERS RESERVES: David Yelldell, Gavin Peers (Eddie Nolan), John Fitzgerald, Alex Bruce, Alan Morgan (Sergio Peter), Ciaran Donnelly, Neil Danns, Gary Harkins, Joel Byrom (Keith Barker), Jemal Johnson, Matt Derbyshire

SUBS NOT USED: Luke Jones, Steve Drench

ATTENDANCE: 334

SENDING OFF: Julio Cesar (Bolton)