By Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean felt the full fury of Ewood Park again as Bolton Wanderers came out on top in the battle of the Premier League strugglers.

Bolton moved off the bottom and left Blackburn propping up the table with only their fourth win of the season on a night of naked hostility and passion.

Mark Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker gave Bolton a two-goal lead at the interval and, despite Yakubu throwing Blackburn and Kean a lifeline after the break, the hosts slumped to a third successive defeat to prompt more protests and calls for his dismissal from the Rovers fans.

Kean 'understands' Blackburn fans' frustration

Kean stood alone in his technical area amid periods of sustained abuse and such was the level of personal animosity aimed at the Scot it is hard to see how he can turn the supporters around and survive after 12 torrid months in charge.

He insists he continues to have the support of Blackburn's Indian owners Venky's, but they were not spared as Blackburn fans also demanded they relinquish control of the club, with banners unfurled in the Ronnie Clayton End.

Noisy protests continued outside Ewood Park after the game as Rovers' position becomes even more perilous.

Analysis

Phil McNulty Chief football writer

“It is hard to know what reward Kean currently gets from his post. He is being deserted in droves, from his paymasters preferring to watch a live feed in Pune rather than be at his side in his hour of need to calls from his local newspaper and local MP Jack Straw to step away before Blackburn tip over the precipice”

After the narrow defeat at Sunderland, Kean set his sights on victory in home games against West Bromwich Albion and Bolton - but both have ended in defeat.

Bolton's victory relieves some of the pressure building on boss Owen Coyle and he was all smiles as he celebrated with the visiting supporters after securing a vital three points.

Kean needed Blackburn to make a good start to halt the groundswell of discontent that has built towards him - but Wanderers ensured the fragile truce inside Ewood Park towards the manager was soon broken.

Chris Samba failed to make a clearance, leaving David Ngog to pick out Davies for a composed finish that gave home goalkeeper Paul Robinson no chance.

The goal was immediately greeted with chants sweeping around the stadium demanding Kean's removal and matters were made even worse for the besieged Scot as the visitors doubled their lead on the half-hour.

Martin Petrov found space on the left flank and, when Morten Gamst Pedersen was unable to deal with his cross, Reo-Coker forced a somewhat fortuitous shot past Robinson.

Coyle backs 'very gifted' Steve Kean

Inevitably given the current climate around Blackburn, a storm of abuse was directed towards the technical area where Kean stood and one fan was even allowed to advance towards the dug-out while the manager watched.

In an atmosphere increasingly laced with poison, Ngog saw a shot blocked and the half-time whistle was the signal for another outbreak of deafening jeering.

Blackburn almost managed to offer Kean and their supporters some cheer in the opening moments of the second half when Junior Hoilett set up Steven N'Zonzi, who went for placement as opposed to power and was just off target.

The inventive Hoilett was the creator again as Rovers gave themselves hope with 23 minutes left. He slipped a perfect through ball into Yakubu, who escaped from Gary Cahill to score with ease.

TOUGH FIGHT

Blackburn Rovers will be bottom of the Premier League on Christmas Day. The only basement side at this stage of the 19 previous PL seasons to stay up was West Bromwich Albion in 2004-2005

Yakubu had another shot deflected just wide as Blackburn risked all in search of an equaliser - but their attacking approach left them vulnerable to a Bolton counter-punch and they almost suffered after 75 minutes.

Petrov's pace took him clear of the home defence but his cross agonisingly avoided stretching substitute Tuncay, on for the injured Ngog.

Blackburn's second-half performance had been in complete contrast to their dreadful first-half showing, and in a frantic conclusion both sides could have scored.

Darren Pratley ran free in the area but curled a finish wide and then Samba, thrown forward as an extra attacker, headed inches wide with Blackburn's last chance.

When the final whistle sounded, Ewood Park was a picture of contrasts. The Bolton fans sang in elation and support of boss Coyle while Blackburn's supporters again turned their fire on Kean as a scarf was thrown in the direction of the manager.

Lineup, Bookings (3) & Substitutions (5)

Blackburn Rovers

  • 01 Robinson
  • 04 Samba
  • 31 Hanley
  • 08 Dunn Booked
  • 10 Formica Booked (Goodwillie - 65' )
  • 12 Pedersen
  • 15 Nzonzi
  • 29 Vukcevic (Rochina - 65' )
  • 35 Lowe Booked
  • 23 Hoilett
  • 24 Yakubu

Substitutes

  • 13 Bunn
  • 39 Henley
  • 14 Petrovic
  • 20 Rochina
  • 22 Blackman
  • 25 Goodwillie
  • 30 Roberts

Bolton Wanderers

  • 22 Jaaskelainen
  • 02 Steinsson
  • 03 Alonso (Robinson - 57' )
  • 05 Cahill
  • 12 Knight
  • 06 Muamba
  • 10 Petrov
  • 16 M Davies
  • 19 Reo-Coker
  • 17 Klasnic (Pratley - 81' )
  • 24 Ngog (Tuncay - 72' )

Substitutes

  • 01 Bogdan
  • 04 Robinson
  • 25 Boyata
  • 07 Eagles
  • 21 Pratley
  • 09 Tuncay
  • 14 K Davies
Ref: Atkinson
Att: 25,570

Match Stats

Shots

17 8

On target

7 5

Corners

5 9

Fouls

10 7

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:23 Full time

Full Time The referee blows his whistle to end the game.

90:00 +3:44

David Goodwillie crosses the ball, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Christopher Samba misses to the left of the goal.

90:00 +3:22

Shot by Darren Pratley from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target.

90:00 +2:59

The ball is swung over by David Dunn.

90:00 +2:42

The ball is delivered by David Hoilett, Gary Cahill gets a block in.

90:00 +1:46

David Goodwillie gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Paul Robinson. Zat Knight takes the free kick.

90:00 +1:13

David Hoilett has an effort at goal from outside the penalty area which goes wide right of the goal.

90:00 +0:51

Martin Petrov gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jason Lowe. Paul Robinson takes the free kick.

89:25

The referee blows for offside against Tuncay Sanli. Paul Robinson restarts play with the free kick.

88:54

The ball is sent over by David Goodwillie, save made by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

88:39

The assistant referee signals for offside against Jason Lowe. Jussi Jaaskelainen restarts play with the free kick.

87:04

The ball is delivered by Martin Petrov, clearance made by Christopher Samba.

86:28

The ball is delivered by Darren Pratley, blocked by Morten Gamst Pedersen. Martin Petrov decides to take the corner short.

85:35

Gary Cahill restarts play with the free kick.

85:35 Booking

Booking The referee cautions David Dunn for unsporting behaviour.

85:31

David Dunn challenges Nigel Reo-Coker unfairly and gives away a free kick.

84:26

Unfair challenge on Paul Robinson by Ruben Rochina results in a free kick. Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the free kick.

83:52

The ball is swung over by David Hoilett.

81:47

Shot from just outside the area by Ruben Rochina misses to the left of the target.

81:28

Corner taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the left by-line, save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

80:41 Substitution

Substitution Darren Pratley joins the action as a substitute, replacing Ivan Klasnic.

79:11

Effort on goal by David Hoilett from just outside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.

78:41

Martin Petrov crosses the ball, save by Paul Robinson.

77:43

The ball is swung over by Gretar Rafn Steinsson.

76:07

Unfair challenge on Martin Petrov by Jason Lowe results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

75:34

The ball is sent over by Martin Petrov.

75:10

The ball is sent over by Morten Gamst Pedersen, save made by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

74:41

The ball is crossed by Morten Gamst Pedersen, drilled left-footed shot by Ayegbeni Yakubu. Nigel Reo-Coker gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the left by-line, clearance made by Zat Knight.

73:48

The ball is sent over by Martin Petrov, Grant Hanley manages to make a clearance.

72:12

Shot from 20 yards from David Dunn. Blocked by Zat Knight. Tuncay Sanli gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen. Strike on goal comes in from David Dunn from the free kick, save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

71:32 Substitution

Substitution David Ngog goes off and Tuncay Sanli comes on.

59:49

A cross is delivered by Mark Davies, Martin Petrov takes a shot. Steven Nzonzi gets a block in. Corner taken by Martin Petrov from the left by-line, Christopher Samba manages to make a clearance.

68:58

The ball is swung over by Martin Petrov.

67:29

Ruben Rochina takes a shot. Zat Knight gets a block in. David Dunn has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide right of the goal.

67:04

David Goodwillie takes a shot. Blocked by Gretar Rafn Steinsson. Morten Gamst Pedersen takes the outswinging corner, clearance by David Ngog.

66:11

The assist for the goal came from David Hoilett.

66:11 Goal scored

Goal - Ayegbeni Yakubu - Blackburn 1 - 2 Bolton Ayegbeni Yakubu fires in a goal from inside the box low into the middle of the goal. Blackburn 1-2 Bolton.

64:33 Substitution

Substitution Ruben Rochina comes on in place of Simon Vukcevic.

64:33 Substitution

Substitution Mauro Formica leaves the field to be replaced by David Goodwillie.

64:22

Ayegbeni Yakubu takes a shot. Gary Cahill gets a block in.

61:54

Centre by Martin Petrov.

60:48

Foul by Ayegbeni Yakubu on Zat Knight, free kick awarded. Gary Cahill takes the direct free kick.

60:27

Centre by Martin Petrov, Steven Nzonzi makes a clearance.

59:49

Mark Davies crosses the ball, Martin Petrov takes a shot. Blocked by Steven Nzonzi. Corner taken by Martin Petrov, clearance made by Christopher Samba.

59:28

David Hoilett sends in a cross, blocked by Zat Knight.

58:57

David Ngog challenges David Dunn unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen, clearance made by Zat Knight.

57:38

David Hoilett delivers the ball, Zat Knight makes a clearance.

56:41 Substitution

Substitution Paul Robinson on for Marcos Alonso.

53:57

Morten Gamst Pedersen takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Gretar Rafn Steinsson.

53:20

The ball is crossed by Martin Petrov, blocked by Grant Hanley. Corner taken left-footed by Martin Petrov from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by David Dunn.

52:45

Outswinging corner taken by Martin Petrov.

48:01

Effort on goal by Steven Nzonzi from just inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.

45:01

The match restarts for the second half.

45:00 +1:30 Half time

Half Time It is the end of the first-half.

43:48

David Hoilett has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses right.

42:20

Nigel Reo-Coker fouled by David Dunn, the ref awards a free kick. Marcos Alonso restarts play with the free kick.

39:39

Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Morten Gamst Pedersen, clearance by Zat Knight. Simon Vukcevic takes a shot. Gary Cahill gets a block in.

38:52

Nigel Reo-Coker challenges Simon Vukcevic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Paul Robinson.

38:03

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen by David Ngog. Free kick taken by Paul Robinson.

37:20

David Hoilett is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jussi Jaaskelainen restarts play with the free kick.

35:50

David Ngog handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Paul Robinson restarts play with the free kick.

35:21

David Ngog takes a shot. Blocked by Grant Hanley.

34:08

Effort from inside the area by Simon Vukcevic misses to the right of the target.

29:46

Martin Petrov provided the assist for the goal.

29:46 Goal scored

Goal - Nigel Reo-Coker - Blackburn 0 - 2 Bolton Nigel Reo-Coker finds the back of the net with a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Blackburn 0-2 Bolton.

29:44

A cross is delivered by Martin Petrov,

27:54

The ball is swung over by Morten Gamst Pedersen, comfortable save by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

27:43

Simon Vukcevic crosses the ball, Gary Cahill manages to make a clearance.

26:16

Ivan Klasnic concedes a free kick for a foul on Morten Gamst Pedersen. Free kick taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

25:34

Martin Petrov takes the outswinging corner, Steven Nzonzi makes a clearance.

23:26

The ball is swung over by Martin Petrov, Gretar Rafn Steinsson takes a shot. Grant Hanley gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Martin Petrov from the right by-line, Shot by Gary Cahill from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.

22:47

Gretar Rafn Steinsson crosses the ball, Morten Gamst Pedersen gets a block in. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Martin Petrov from the right by-line, clearance made by Christopher Samba.

19:38

Centre by Morten Gamst Pedersen, Zat Knight makes a clearance.

15:38

Free kick awarded for a foul by David Dunn on Ivan Klasnic. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Marcos Alonso, Steven Nzonzi manages to make a clearance.

13:09

Gretar Rafn Steinsson sends in a cross.

11:37

Marcos Alonso takes the free kick.

11:37 Booking

Booking Booking for Jason Lowe.

11:31

Unfair challenge on Martin Petrov by Jason Lowe results in a free kick.

10:20

Nigel Reo-Coker produces a drilled right-footed shot from 25 yards. Blocked by Grant Hanley. Corner taken by Martin Petrov from the right by-line.

9:14

Free kick crossed left-footed by Martin Petrov, clearance made by Jason Lowe.

9:14 Booking

Booking Booking for Mauro Formica.

9:10

Free kick awarded for a foul by Mauro Formica on Gretar Rafn Steinsson.

8:32

Zat Knight fouled by Christopher Samba, the ref awards a free kick. Jussi Jaaskelainen takes the free kick.

7:17

Foul by Ivan Klasnic on Simon Vukcevic, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

6:00

The ball is swung over by Jason Lowe, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Ayegbeni Yakubu misses to the left of the goal.

4:02

Assist by David Ngog.

4:02 Goal scored

Goal - Mark Davies - Blackburn 0 - 1 Bolton Goal scored by Mark Davies from the edge of the area low into the middle of the goal. Blackburn 0-1 Bolton.

3:58

Nigel Reo-Coker crosses the ball, clearance made by Christopher Samba.

1:47

The referee blows for offside. Paul Robinson takes the indirect free kick.

1:06

Corner taken left-footed by Martin Petrov from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by David Dunn.

0:00

The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

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