PRIME Minister David Cameron was nowhere to be seen — as BBC screened the final live leaders' debate on Thursday evening.

But it his main rival Ed Milliband who is yet to make a campaign trail appearance in Bolton.

His shadow chancellor Ed Balls was in town last weekend — but that was only to cheer on his beloved Norwich City as they defeated Whites courtesy of a last minute goal at the Macron.

Mr Balls, sitting in the home section of the directors' box, remained calm when the visitors scored their first, barely flinching. It is bad form to shout and cheer your team if you are a guest of the opposing club, you see.

He even politely applauded Bolton's excellent equaliser — but there was no hiding his allegiances when the Canaries grabbed a crucial last gasp winner.

The man who wants to be in charge of the nation's finances come May 7 leapt up in delight and attempted to high five one of his pals.

I can't blame him. I did the same thing once at Old Trafford — sat in the posh seats back in September 2002 when Whites beat Man United 1-0.

Long time Norwich supporter and national treasure Delia Smith was also in the directors' box last weekend (my season ticket overlooks the box, giving me a great vantage point for celeb spotting).

So I am reminded of Delia's famous intervention back at Carrow Road a few years back, when she went onto the pitch at half time and attempted to rouse the crowd over the PA system.

Where are you Mr Milliband? Let's be 'avin you!

Mr Cameron has been here twice in two years — and I wouldn't be surprised if he came back to one more time Bolton again in the next three weeks.

There was a report out last week which claimed candidates do not like it when ministers and shadow ministers — or the so-called 'big beasts' from their party — swoop into town for a flying visit.

I can see their point. It can be a distraction from local issues and, let's face it, most of the 'top flight' politicians aren't that popular with the general public so a visit could easily be counter productive.

Nevertheless, I hope Mr Milliband does grace us with his presence soon. If nothing else, it is a real buzz for us local journos when one of the big players comes to town.

A chance for us to pit our wits against the best in the business. A bit like getting drawn against a Premier League team in the FA Cup. Which brings us neatly back to football — which is kind of where we started.