IN almost unplayable conditions Blackburn produced their worst performance of the season against local rivals Bolton.

It would be all too easy to blame the underfoot conditions for this defeat but in truth too many players had an off-day and were unrecognisable from the team which pushed the league leaders so close last week.

Bolton played the conditions and the referee better, relying exclusively on the boot to gain ground, whereas Blackburn tried unsuccessfully to run the ball from deep.

The conditions dictated that the score would be close and as the half time whistle approached Bolton took their chance with a penalty in front of the posts.

The second-half saw the visitors push their opponents around, but were undone by poor handling and tactical naivety. Blackburn spent much of the time in Bolton's half but were unable to breach their defence.

A couple of late penalties which were run instead of kicked ultimately cost them a victory they didn't really deserve.

Manager John Toms said: "We seemed to lose momentum and had too many lethargic performers. A very disappointing defeat that we're struggling to come to terms with."

BOLTON THIRDS...3 BLACKBURN THIRDS...0