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Joe Mason scored a 24-minute second-half hat-trick to propel Bolton Wanderers to their first Championship win of the season against Rotherham.

The 23-year-old, on loan from Cardiff, equalised with a right-foot finish after Anthony Wordsworth had fired the visitors ahead from a free-kick.

Mason headed Bolton 2-1 ahead only for substitute Jordan Bowery to bring the Millers level.

But Bolton secured all three points when Mason fired home from close range.

Bolton's first win since 26 April lifted Dougie Freedman's side to 21st in the table on five points from seven matches.

Rotherham, now without a win in three games, are down to 19th with seven points from seven fixtures.

Mason, who is on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, proved the difference between the two teams as his clinical finishing settled an absorbing game.

It helped pacify restless home supporters, with some unfurling a 'Freedman Out' banner before kick-off after a poor start to the campaign.

Bolton manager Dougie Freedman:

"I do believe the kid [Joe Mason] has a big future.

"He is still learning his trade and unfortunately for him Cardiff are blessed with lots of strikers. But we can guarantee him game time and in my opinion Joe will get you a fair share of goals.

"In the end it could have been more than the scoreline suggests. The second half was a fantastic display from everyone in the team to get back in the game."

Rotherham assistant boss Paul Raynor:

"We pride ourselves on our character.

"We have come into a difficult division with some massive clubs and acquitted ourselves very well.

"We set up with more of an adventurous shape in our side because we thought we could cause Bolton problems and that's how it proved."