Kevin Nolan's spectacular strike separated the sides in what was a poor first-half at the Reebok.

The Bolton skipper hooked the ball over his shoulder from an acute angle following a crossfield ball from Joey O'Brien.

Bolton were looking to chalk up their fifth successive home league victory, and Ivan Campo had Blackburn on the back foot in the fifth minute with a long throw.

Davies got away from his marker and flicked the ball on but Ooijer was able to make the clearance.

Blackburn responded and David Bentley saw his 20-yard drive well taken by goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

It was a brief respite, however, with Campo picking out Davies and he cut the ball back from the byline only to see his effort cleared.

Then Campo rattled in a shot from distance that whistled over Brad Friedel's bar.

Bentley almost put Blackburn ahead in the 17th minute with a fine free-kick that just curled over the bar.

Cohen tried to pick out Stelios Giannakopoulos at the back post in the 22nd minute but Friedel came out to make the interception.

Then Nolan struck with his superb goal.