Bolton were cruelly denied all three points in the Lancashire derby after Blackburn's Craig Short equalised on the stroke of full time.

The home side appeared to be heading for a priceless three points after Jay Jay Okocha had put them ahead after eight minutes.

Key moments

8 mins: Jay Jay Okocha puts Bolton ahead 94 mins: Craig Short heads the equalliser

But Blackburn refused to accept defeat and Short's 94th minute header was just reward for a determined performance.

Bolton opened the scoring after only eight minutes with Okocha's second goal of the season.

The Nigerian showed great technique to volley into the bottom corner after connecting with Henrik Pedersen's cushioned header from a Per Frandsen cross.

If we ever wanted or prayed for a referee to blow up right on time it was today Bolton manager Sam Allardyce

Blackburn's problems continued when David Dunn, who had been troubled with a hamstring injury, was replaced on 11 minutes by Tugay.

Bolton kept up the pressure and goalkeeper Brad Friedel did well to parry a close-range shot from Pedersen minutes later.

The visitors were struggling to find their rhythm despite having plenty of attacking options in the shape of Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, Damien Duff and David Thompson.

Frandsen came close to doubling Bolton's lead as the home side continued to press forward, but his free-kick was well held by Friedel.

Bolton started the second half in the same vein, working hard in midfield to stifle Blackburn's creativity.

The referee played five minutes stoppage time and I think that was correct Blackburn manager Graeme Souness

But as the half wore on Blackburn began to find more space in midfield.

Thompson came close to pulling his side level in the 57th minute but he somehow managed to steer his shot wide in a good position.

Andy Cole then screwed a shot past the post following an inviting Thompson corner.

Blackburn threw everything forward in pursuit of the equaliser, but the Bolton defence stood firm until the fourth minute of injury time.

Bolton failed to clear the danger and Yorke's cross into the area was met by Short to head home the equaliser.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Barness, Bergsson, Campo, Charlton, Okocha (Tofting 74), Frandsen, Warhurst (Nolan 51), Gardner (Ricketts 54), Djorkaeff, Pedersen.

Subs Not Used: Poole, Livesey.
Booked: Djorkaeff, Frandsen.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Short, Taylor, McEveley (Johansson 52), Thompson, Flitcroft, Dunn (Tugay 11), Duff, Yorke, Cole.

Subs Not Used: Kelly, Ostenstad, Todd.
Booked: Thompson, Tugay.

Attendance: 24,556

Referee: N Barry (N Lincolnshire).