GARY Megson was a frustrated man after Bolton let a 2-0 lead - and the chance of a a first win in six games at Ewood Park - slip away.

Benni McCarthy slotted home a last-gasp penalty to drag Blackburn level - and leave the Wanderers boss fuming.

"We made a mess of it, lost the momentum and started to panic," he said. "There were positives but they are not worth talking about.

"We were 2-0 up at half-time and didn't come away with the win.

"We mucked it up. We are all deflated because of that result but in time we may look back on it as a good point.

"We are trying to bring in the right player who can cope with the situation this club is in."

And Rovers almost snatched an unlikely victory when Ryan Nelsen hit the post in stoppage time.

Blackburn believed goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen shouldn't have stayed on the pitch for a foul on City target Roque Santa Cruz, that led to the penalty, but a booking sufficed from referee Mike Dean.

Chance

Jaaskelainen had little chance with Stephen Warnock's 65th minute effort after Kevin Davies and Gretar Steinsson were caught dozing from McCarthy's pass.

Rovers' old boy Davies was one of two first-half scorers as Megson's rejigged team made a positive start.

Had results conspired against them last night the Trotters could have ended up in the bottom three.

But they kept matters in their own hands, thanks largely to a fine opening 45 minutes.

With on-loan Benfica striker, Ariza Makukula, proving a real handful for Blackburn's muscular defence, Bolton struck after 15 and 34 minutes.

Taylor stole in at the far post to convert Makukula's cross-cum-shot while Davies also rifled home his sixth of the campaign after Paul Robinson saved his first effort.

But it wasn't enough to provide three vital points.

Meanwhile, Megson looks set to miss out on Sporting Lisbon star Miguel Veloso ahead of the closure of the transfer window on Monday.

"They've made it clear what kind of money they want, and we won't pay that," remarked Megson.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.

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