It was Blackburn who had the best chance to open the scoring 10 minutes before the break when Morten Gamst Pedersen`s wicked free-kick was palmed away by Jussi Jaaskelainen into the path of Gael Givet, but the defender could only blaze over from six yards.
Things heated up after the break and Robinson was called upon to keep out Holden`s curling free-kick, before Bolton were reduced to 10 men when Mark Davies was dismissed for an elbow on Phil Jones.
Bolton showed their steel and determination by taking 65th-minute lead when Fabrice Muamba picked up a loose ball and drove home low at the near post.
Blackburn began to make use of their numerical advantage and were level with three minutes remaining when Mame Diouf dinked home from six yards after Jason Roberts had set him free.
Their parity lasted less than 30 seconds though as directly from the restart, Holden latched onto Davies` header to volley home and win it for Bolton.
Source: PA
Source: PA