David Wheater has scored twice as Bolton Wanderers lead Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at the interval.

It was the home side who started the match the stronger and Martin Petrov so nearly opened the scoring after nine minutes, but Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson made a smart save at his near post.

Chances were few and far between in the early stages, with both teams packing the midfield and relying on pace on the break.

Blackburn felt they might have had a penalty after 24 minutes when Gretar Steinsson appeared to foul Junior Hoilett in the box, but no decision was given.

Bolton took the lead after 28 minutes when Wheater headed a Petrov cross into the back of the net.

Blackburn so nearly levelled the match after 32 minutes with a thumping Yakubu header, but it drifted just wide in a lively period.

Bolton added their second of the afternoon after 35 minutes courtesy of another Wheater header to edge into a comfortable half time lead.