Wanderers fans worried about their team's Premiership survival chances hope to be counting their blessings at 4.45pm.

They know the club's future could rest on the relegation battle against Blackburn Rovers at the Reebok.

And they will be praying that striker Michael Ricketts -- the whites' goal-scoring saviour -- plays like an angel as well.

But the fans' pre-match prayers could already have been answered because Bolton's church leaders will be backing the boys.

The Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett, and other members of the local clergy will join fans hoping for a Wanderers win.

Rt Rev Gillett said: "I must say my hopes, thoughts and expectations will be with Wanderers when the match starts. The bishop of Blackburn and I are close friends, so I'm sure our friendship will survive a Bolton victory tomorrow."

Another big Wanderer is the Venerable Alan Wolstencroft, the former Vicar of Bolton. He is now Archdeacon of Manchester but has a season ticket at the Reebok and comes home for every match.

He said: "I've been following the Wanderers since I was a boy and I'll definitely be at this match. Rovers' morale will be high after last week's cup win so it should be a very close contest.

"Life is one long prayer," he added. "I just hope I don't have to say too many prayers for the Wanderers tomorrow."

But Bolton fans should not take a whites' victory as Gospel just yet. The power of prayer could work for the Rovers too.

Blackburn's Bishop, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, said: "Blackburn will be looking to put Bolton on their way tomorrow. I'll be rooting for Rovers and rooting for a good victory."