Bolton Wanderers slumped to the bottom of the Championship because of this afternoon's 4-1 trouncing at Lancashire neighbours Blackburn Rovers.
Two goals in as many minutes from David Dunn and Jordan Rhodes midway through the first half put Blackburn ahead, before Alex Baptiste lashed in to give Wanderers hope of a comeback just before half time.
The visitors then had chances to level but were soon further behind when substitute Corry Evans's volley took a slight nick and flew into the net.
Rhodes completed the rout with seven minutes left on the clock as Blackburn won their second straight home game.
Below, Sports Mole casts its eye over an absorbing 90 minutes at Ewood Park.
Match statistics:
Blackburn:
Shots 15
On target 6
Possession 57%
Corners 5
Fouls 9
Bolton:
Shots 9
On target 5
Possession 43%
Corners 1
Fouls 8
Was the result fair?
A resounding yes. Bolton had a spell at the start of the second half where they were the stronger team and could have got an equaliser, but apart from that it was all Rovers.
Blackburn's performance
A pleasing show was put on by Gary Bowyer's men as they attacked with flair and took their chances well. Rhodes is a clinical leader of the frontline and he was well supported by Josh King and Ben Marshall, making his debut for Rovers. Dunn, in particular, was excellent on the break and in supplying from midfield. At the back, Rovers weren't brilliant but got lucky as a meek Bolton attack failed to take their chances.
Bolton's performance
Considering their end to the season last term, Bolton were expected to challenge in the top half this campaign but they have hardly flown out of the blocks. You could tell that Dougie Freedman's side were low on confidence and today's result won't help. However, the upcoming international break could be just what Wanderers need to collect their thoughts.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Dunn: He may have only been on the field for an hour but it was a cracking 60 minutes from veteran Dunn. His goal was so very well taken as he skipped past a couple of challenges before feinting a shot to get past another man and then finishing coolly. He also provided the pass for Rhodes's first goal.
Biggest gaffe
Jermaine Beckford claims this award for his one-on-one miss in the early stages with the game still goalless. The summer signing from Leicester took the ball in his stride well but then gave Jake Kean basically a backpass.
Referee performance
Keith Stroud did not have that much to do this afternoon and made the right calls throughout.
What next?
Blackburn: Next up for Rovers is another Lancashire derby as they travel to in-form Burnley after the international break in two weeks' time.
Bolton: The Trotters, meanwhile, welcome Leeds to the Reebok Stadium.
Pascal Lemesre
