JOE Mason gave manager Dougie Freedman some blessed relief by hitting a second-half hat-trick to sink Rotherham United last night.

The on-loan Cardiff City striker became the first Bolton player in 12 years to claim a match-ball, hitting three goals in 24 minutes to register Wanderers’ first league win of the season.

The knives had been out for Freedman after his side went a goal down in the first half.

Mason equalised and then put his side ahead with 10 minutes to go but when Jordan Bowery levelled again, the boo-boys were poised for another assault.

In what was an incredible finale, Mason then snatched a winner with six minutes to go – with Rotherham denied another equaliser by the linesman in stoppage time.

Wanderers fans made their feelings very clear even before kick-off – with a banner unfurled high in the East Stand Upper, facing the manager’s dugout, which read “Freedman Out!”

The banner did not last long, however, with stewards forcing it to be taken down before the start of the game.

However, the victory may have handed Freedman some breathing space heading into this weekend’s trip to face his former club Wolves.