Tony Mowbray paid credit to the Rovers fans who turned out despite the £36 ticket prices – while Charlie Mulgrew joked they deserved a refund after the quality on show.

It didn’t look like being that way as the boss, who named a team capable of finding the fluency he would have hoped for, saw Rovers dominate the opening quarter.

Kasey Palmer, one of four changes, came up with his best moment of the match midway through the first half to wriggle free of Jonathan Grounds. Joe Rothwell, another handed a recall, then chipped a ball for the advancing Harrison Reed whose effort was blocked by the sprawling body of Remi Matthews.

Rothwell followed up, seeing a well-hit shot blocked by David Wheater, though Dack was on the spot to turn in the loose ball.

It was hoped that would point the way for Rovers, giving them a platform to build on against a Bolton side who looked devoid of confidence.

Instead, their dominance soon dissipated. Bolton would have known there was a fragility to Rovers from balls in to the box, with seven of their last nine goals conceded coming from balls in to the box.

They had an opportunity to do that from a right wing corner after David Raya tipped behind a curling Will Buckley effort. Erhun Oztumer’s delivery was met by Josh Magennis three yards out, only to be denied by a stunning fingertip save from Raya.

Magennis again caused problems, going close again to a leveller three minutes before the break. Danny Graham, back defending in his own box, cleared the ball up rather than away, with Magennis looping a header over Raya who was pleased to see Mulgrew well placed to clear on the line.

That pressure late in the half prompted Mowbray to make a half time switch, going to a back three in a bid to gain more control. However, it seemed to have the opposite effect.

Whether watching on television, or among the 2,500 travelling supporters, the second 45 minutes was a tough watch for anyone of a Rovers perspective.

The players seemed stuck between approaches, and as it wore on, it became clear the only way to victory would be by a 1-0 scoreline.

For a team so used to winning games last season, closing games out is something they are still looking to crack in the second tier. There was an acceptance post-match, from manager Mowbray and captain Mulgrew, improvements are needed.

There may well have been mitigating factors however behind the second half display, which despite being devoid of quality, saw Rovers to victory.

With an international break on the horizon, and games against Leeds, Swansea and West Brom on their return, as well as a midweek defeat to Sheffield United, the three points were always going to be a big boost.

And having conceded nine goals in their four matches heading in to the Bolton trip, and only one clean sheet in eight matches, they would have been tasked by Mowbray to stand up to the Bolton threat.

Rovers were able to do so thanks to some valiant defending and strong workrate, helped by some poor play in the final third by the hosts.

There was a moment of luck involved too before Rovers were able to celebrate a third away win of the season.

Rovers looked to have conceded a fifth penalty in five games as sub Christian Doidge went down under a challenge from Charlie Mulgrew after Jack Hobbs headed across goal. While it looked soft, referee Darren Bond was on the spot, only to reverse the decision as the linesman flagged for offside.

So Rovers head in to the international break with an identical record from their second set of six games as they did their first, with two wins, the draws and one defeat.

Having played well and not got the points they have deserved so far this season, it was an important win to chalk up.

And sitting ninth in the table, with improvements to make, it’s not a bad position to be.