Honours even in Lancashire stalemate

Bolton's wait for a first Premier League home win over local rivals Blackburn goes on after a goalless stalemate at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Gary Megson's side, who are hovering just above the relegation places with two big clubs — Tottenham and Newcastle — below them, could have done with three points from an encounter they dominated for long periods.

But it was the visitors who enjoyed the better-quality chances and went closest to breaking the deadlock, when Carlos Villaneuva's shot came back off the bar.

Bolton very nearly got off to a dream start, Johan Elmander releasing Fabrice Muamba whose shot was cleared at the back post by Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen.

That set the tone for a first half dominated by the home side and, 18 minutes in, Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson had to be alert to turn away a Matthew Taylor free-kick from long range after it evaded everyone in the box.

It was Blackburn however who came closest to scoring in a frantic end to the opening period.

Villanueva beat Jussi Jaaskelainen with a sweetly struck effort six minutes before the break only to see the ball come back off the bar.

Christopher Samba then headed a Brett Emerton freekick wide and Jason Roberts was also off target from an equally good position after more good work from Emerton.

Bolton continued to push forward after the break, with Elmander firing narrowly over and Kevin Nolan also going close before a good block by Samba prevented Gavin McCann's drive from testing Paul Robinson.

Blackburn rarely mustered much of a threat although they did look more menacing after substitute Benni McCarthy came on and the South African saw one shot finish in the side netting.