It was a bright and vigorous start from Rovers with Robbie Gotts seeing a lashed shot go just wide, thanks to a slight touch from home stopper Jack Bonham. The hosts then wrestled back the initiative and whilst enjoying plenty of the ball, they were not seriously testing Thimothee Lo-Tutala - one of three changes from the win over Blackpool.
Thierry Gale cut inside from the left and saw a fierce shot just clear the post before a deflected Johnny Kenny effort looped up into the air and fell into the welcoming arms of the alert Lo-Tutala. Down the other end Glenn Middleton's effort was charged down by a Bolton defender just a few yards out before half-time.
The second half was equally as enthralling a contest, as both sides tried to unpick the lock of the opposition's defence. Genuine chances, in truth, were at a premium as Bolton tried everything to break down a formidable Rovers defence.
Sub Rob Apter did come close for the hosts but Lo-Tutala pulled off a fine save to tip it behind for a corner. That was to prove one of just 24 shots for Bolton but Rovers stood firm - and could even have won it late on when subs Billy Sharp and Jordan Gibson came close.
Here's how we rated the Rovers players at the Toughsheet:
1. Thimothee Lo-Tutala 7
Propelled back in after Zander Clark was struck down by illness. Just one stop needed first half, plucking a deflected shot from the air. Second half was about staying concentrated, which he was. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
2. Jamie Sterry 8
Couple of eagle-eyed defensive steals and some really lively, rampaging runs on a thoroughly impressive night - one of many. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
3. Matty Pearson 8
A night when his experience was needed as Bolton enjoyed large spells of the ball and tried to pick and pull Rovers apart. Clearance machine, once again, as Bolton chucked everything at Rovers. Booked. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
4. Neill Byrne 8
Similar to Pearson, was alert to all dangers with ample headers and blocks aplenty. Switched on all night. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD