PAUL Gallagher unleashed a Bonfire Night fire-cracker of his own to earn a point for Rovers Reserves in last night's second team derby with Bolton Wanderers at Christie Park.

And even more good news for beleaguered Graeme Souness was the return of Craig Short to match action.

The 35-year-old skippered the side and steadied the ship for his first competitive 90 minutes since recovering from pre-season knee surgery.

Neil Danns and Jon Douglas, returning from loan spells with Blackpool, joined Short, Martin Taylor and Dino Baggio in a strong looking line-up.

Indeed, against a back-drop of fireworks, Baggio almost lit up the game in the second minute. His explosive drive, however, was well saved by Jeremy Bon in the Bolton goal.

The visitors, prompted by lively Frenchman Ibrahim Ba, created several good early chances.

Rovers goalkeeper Steven Drench reacted quickly to clutch the ball from Cleveland Taylor's feet after good work by Ba. Brazilian Mario Jardel and Bolton skipper Derek Niven both went close in quick succession.

Bolton pressure paid off, but only because defensive errors opened the way. On 24 minutes, Jay McEveley carelessly lost the ball to former Rover Jonathan Walters. His pace drew both Taylor and Short out of position and his cross found the unmarked Jardel. With obvious delight, the prolific striker buried the ball beyond Drench.

Bolton might have increased their lead but Drench made fine saves, first punching clear from Walters and then diving to deny Taylor.

At the other end, Adam Nelson's cross found Martin Taylor, his powerful header beat Bon but came back off the post.

Five minutes into the second period, McEveley played in Baggio, but once again, he was denied by the diving Bon.

Gary Harkins and Jemal Johnson replaced Adam Nelson and Ciccio Grabbi, giving Rovers extra impetus going forward.

Drench made another fine point-blank save from Taylor, but as the half wore on, Rovers increasingly looked the most likely to score.

Gallagher went close on two occasions and Short might have crowned his comeback with a headed goal, but Bon made the save.

With 10 minutes remaining, Gallagher brought a touch of class to proceedings. Skillfully transferring the ball from right to left foot, he lost his man and fired across goal and into the far corner of Bon's net.

It was as much as Rovers deserved, and with Andy Cole about to serve a three-match suspension in the Premiership, the Academy sharpshooter might just have fired himself into the frame. Certainly he and Craig Short enhanced their claims for a place against Everton next Monday.

Blackburn Rovers: Drench, Douglas, McEveley, Danns, Taylor Martin, Short, Donnelly, Gallagher, Grabbi (Johnson 70), Baggio, Nelson (Harkins 56). Subs not used: Renton, Fitzgerald, Taylor Michael

Bolton Wanderers: Bon, Shakes, Smith, Barness (Talbot 70), Plat, Niven, Ba, Johnson, Jardel (Hamlin 60), Walters, Taylor. Subs not used: Howarth, Kribib, Jones

BLACKBURN RESERVES ... 1

BOLTON RESERVES...1