Joe Mason's second-half hat-trick provided relief to Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman as his team registered their first league win of the season against Rotherham United this evening.

In front of a sparse crowd at the Macron Stadium, the hosts tried to edge ahead when Jay Spearing played in Matt Mills, but his effort was blocked by the United defence.

Late in the first half, Rotherham took the lead when Anthony Wordsworth's free kick proved too much for keeper Andy Lonergan, to a chorus of boos from the home support.

Their blushes were spared when Mason levelled on the hour mark with a low shot from the edge of the box.

On 80 minutes, Mason appeared to have won the game for Wanderers when he headed Spearing's set-piece delivery into the top corner of Adam Collin's net.

However, Rotherham found an 82nd-minute equaliser through Jordan Bowery after Alex Revell's headed pass.

It was left to Mason to complete his hat-trick and get Bolton back to winning ways when he turned another set piece home.

The result pulls Wanderers out of the relegation zone on goal difference.