IT WAS action all the way in a rip-roaring Roses clash which was a real pleasure to watch.

And despite Bolton boss Dougie Freedman’s claims, a draw was probably the right result.

The visitors certainly bossed the bulk of the second half, with Town often having 11 men behind the ball.

But Simon Grayson’s side, helped by another penalty save by Alex Smithies, showed resilience to limit Wanderers to a 2-1 advantage with 10 minutes left.

And having gone behind, they showed character to hit back and claim a fine equaliser.

There could well have been a home winner, because James Vaughan came mightily close five minutes into the six added on.

He seized on a slip by Tim Ream and drilled in a shot which diving Hungarian goalkeeper Adam Bogdan did well to tip around his left-hand post.

American Ream, signed from New York Red Bulls when Bolton were still plying their trade in the Premier League last season, certainly won’t want to dwell on his afternoon in Huddersfield.

Brought off the bench to replace hamstring injury victim Matt Mills in the 86th minute, he was soon outmuscled by Vaughan.

Click on link below to view a gallery of match action from the game

As Town substitute Alan Lee met Jack Hunt’s upfield ball and produced the perfect lay-off, Vaughan, making his first start in nine games after thigh injury, fired Town back into the game.

It was great to see the goal go in and great to see Vaughan, who now has four for Town, fit and firing.

Part of a three-man frontline alongside the roaming Lee Novak and Simon Church, he added a much-needed extra dimension to Town’s attacking with his willingness to run and desire to shoot.

There was good support from a midfield trio of Oliver Norwood, Chris Atkinson and the busy Adam Clayton, and while not all Town’s passing was as sharp as it might have been, this was more like the team who claimed top wins over the likes of Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.

Bolton remain down in 18th, still three places and as many points behind Town, but on Saturday’s evidence, it’s hard to fathom why.

They came flying out of the blocks – the high tempo produced by both sides hardly faltered all afternoon – but Grayson’s men responded positively as played flowed from end to end.