Southampton were left frustrated by Bolton Wanderers in a scoreless Championship draw at St Mary's.

The Saints were denied a penalty in the second half when Leo Scienza's cross hit the arm of Ruben Rodrigues in the box but referee Matt Donohue refused the hosts a spot-kick.

James Bree also missed a glorious chance late on but spooned his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

The draw leaves Southampton seventh in the league table while the Trotters drop down to 15th, within three points of the play-off places and six points clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton had a great chance to take the lead inside three minutes when Scienza's curling shot from inside the box flew high over the crossbar.

The Brazilian winger looked sharp early on and later cut in on his left foot and curled a teasing cross to the back post where a diving Cyle Larin was unable to make contact with the ball.

The Canada striker hurt himself while trying to get on the end of the pass, colliding with Bolton's former Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu, and was substituted minutes later after being unable to continue.

Just before the hour mark Lewis Dobbin was played clean through on goal by Kuryu Matsuki but failed to find the target as his effort at goal flew wide of the left-hand post.

Southampton were then adamant that they should have been awarded a penalty when Scienza's mazy run down the right ended with a cross into the area that struck Rodrigues' raised arm.

Despite the Saints players and home support howling for a spot-kick, referee Donohue shook his head as he waved away the cries.

The Trotters then had a chance to steal a late lead as the ball bounced around in the Saints box, eventually falling to Josh Sheehan who fired an effort that was right at Daniel Peretz.

But the best chance for the hosts came with less than 10 minutes to go when a pass from Scienza was squared to Bree and the full-back mistimed his effort with the goal at his mercy as it flew wide of the right-hand post.

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert speaking to BBC Radio Solent:

"We tried everything to get the three points today and the result is disappointing to only take a point.

"There are still positives to take from the game today and there were chances to open it up early.

"The second half there were some very clear chances and the handball situation is very obvious.

"We didn't manage to put one over the line today but we take it as it is and we move on."

Bolton boss Steven Schumacher speaking to BBC Radio Manchester:

"It was a good game and we knew it was going to be difficult.

"We had to really concentrate and stick to the gameplan because of how difficult it's been for every team that's come here this season.

"We knew that they were going to cause problems but we also said to the players that we couldn't sit back and let them put pressure on our goal.

"In the second half I was really pleased with how brave we were, we had some really good moments and in the end we're pleased with a point."