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Rovers finish |
on a HIGH |
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50 POINTS |
10th PLACE |
Aston Villa 0-1 Blackburn Rovers 
CLICK FOR FINAL TABLE
Big Sam had hoped that Rovers could complete his full season in charge with 50 points and a top ten finish. Despite those great home results against Chelsea and Manchester United - the defeat against Everton and the two points dropped at Wolves made that goal look less and less likely. But then last Monday the final home game saw a brilliant 3 points with the 2-1 win over Arsenal, and that left Blackburn needing one more win on the last day to make it a a half century season.
Bearing in mind that before today Rovers had only managed maximum points away at Burnley and Bolton - the odds seemed stacked against them. Early pressure came from Gabriel Agbonlahor and James Milner produced good saves from Paul Robinson. Sam gave young Scottish defender Grant Hanley his first start, and French midfielder Amine Linganzi played the first half. Rovers Seemed to deserve a penalty when David Dunn was brought down - but like one at the other end no spot kick was awarded. When the breakthrough came it followed more Villa pressure which kept the visitors busy - and forced more saves from Robinson. And it looked like Junior Hoilett had claimed his first Premier League goal - but instead Rovers winner was credited as a Richard Dunne won goal. Former Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel was also kept busy, but the final scoreline of a 'modest' 0-1 was a good enough way to complete the campaign. So Blackburn won 10 at home, and 3 away - drew 11 games and lost 14 in their 38 match season.
10th has been the highest place - and at their lowest they dropped into the bottom three twice in the early part of the season. Not bad eh!?! (9th May 2010)
Bearing in mind that before today Rovers had only managed maximum points away at Burnley and Bolton - the odds seemed stacked against them. Early pressure came from Gabriel Agbonlahor and James Milner produced good saves from Paul Robinson. Sam gave young Scottish defender Grant Hanley his first start, and French midfielder Amine Linganzi played the first half. Rovers Seemed to deserve a penalty when David Dunn was brought down - but like one at the other end no spot kick was awarded. When the breakthrough came it followed more Villa pressure which kept the visitors busy - and forced more saves from Robinson. And it looked like Junior Hoilett had claimed his first Premier League goal - but instead Rovers winner was credited as a Richard Dunne won goal. Former Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel was also kept busy, but the final scoreline of a 'modest' 0-1 was a good enough way to complete the campaign. So Blackburn won 10 at home, and 3 away - drew 11 games and lost 14 in their 38 match season.
10th has been the highest place - and at their lowest they dropped into the bottom three twice in the early part of the season. Not bad eh!?! (9th May 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
JONES (28) |
the choice .... |
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Phil Jones here 'till 2015
PHIL JONES
Blackburn Rovers have announced that new star player Phil Jones from Chorley will be staying local! The 18 year old shot to fame after his introduction to the first team against Chelsea. To say he impressed would be an understatement (see stories below). The clubs official website report that he's now put pen to paper on a deal that keeps him at Rovers 'till the Summer of 2015. He had been linked in the national press with interest from a number of top Premier league sides including Rovers last visitors to Ewood - Arsenal. (5th May 2010)
LINKS: rovers.co.uk
What a way |
to finish! |
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Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Arsenal
DAVID DUNN
& CHRIS SAMBA
If you like symmetry - then you should have been at Ewood Park for the final home game of the season! 10th Goal for David Dunn, 10th home win of the season and 10th place in the table! Things didn't start out too well when Robin van Persie did what he seems to do EVERY time he plays against Rovers - score! It took just 12 minutes and looked far too easy as he headed home. Blackburn seems to know that testing the Arsenal keeper might bear fruit - Lukasz Fabianski not the tidiest of shot stoppers - Pedersen coming closest with a couple of well taken free kicks. Fabianski looked vulnerable, and with just two minutes to go to half time Keith Andrews provide David Dunn with the ball he could simply tap in. So all square at the break, and the final day crowd hoped for more! Junior Hoilett came off the bench, and almost immediately scored Rovers second. Morten had had a good game, and when he took another corner big Chris Samba only needed to stand his ground, and glance home the winner on his first game back from injury. Rovers claimed home draws from Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool - and to finish the home season a BIG three points from another of the top sides. Just before the game Martin Olsson collected the Peter White memorial trophy for his stunning over-head goal at Aston Villa, and Steven Nzonzi was named as 'Player of the Year'.
Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS:- "What a finish it was! To come back from 1-0 down anywhere is no mean feat to win a game of football in the Premier League.But to go a goal down so early on against Arsenal and win is a fabulous result for us.I think that we have shown great character and great spirit and believe once again."
Only Manchester City, Spurs and Everton have claimed maximum points at Ewood - had Blackburn been able to reproduce such form away from home they would have been challenging for the Champions league. The season ends back at Aston Villa next Sunday at 16:00 BST. A win and Rovers should finish in the top ten with 50 points - what a season! (3rd May 2010)
PS - If you have been - thanks for listening to RADIO ROVERS - we'll be back next season.
Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS:- "What a finish it was! To come back from 1-0 down anywhere is no mean feat to win a game of football in the Premier League.But to go a goal down so early on against Arsenal and win is a fabulous result for us.I think that we have shown great character and great spirit and believe once again."
Only Manchester City, Spurs and Everton have claimed maximum points at Ewood - had Blackburn been able to reproduce such form away from home they would have been challenging for the Champions league. The season ends back at Aston Villa next Sunday at 16:00 BST. A win and Rovers should finish in the top ten with 50 points - what a season! (3rd May 2010)
PS - If you have been - thanks for listening to RADIO ROVERS - we'll be back next season.
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report & interviews) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
It's the final |
Countdown |
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Don't miss our final day of broadcasting for this season. RADIO ROVERS goes on air at 13:00 BST with a full 7 hours of programmes. All the pre-match build up to the big game with Arsenal - EXCLUSIVE world wide commentary - and plenty of post match reaction from Ewood Park.
Join Gerald Jackson, Neil Yardley and Wendy Howard + the team from Rovers TV this Monday May 3rd. Tune in on 1404 AM (in Blackburn) or via the Rovers Player at rovers.co.uk. email radiorovers@creatv.co.uk with your end of season thoughts.
RADIO ROVERS - the UK's first football radio station.
Rovers must |
settle for a point |
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Wolves 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
RYAN NELSEN
Blackburn looked the most likely to take all three points - but were unable to hold onto a slender lead that they took in the first half. So the total of away wins for the season remained on two - and a big disappointment for Big Sam. The Blackburn manager decided to start with a couple of strikers as Jason Roberts joined Niko Kalinic up front. There was also a first start for Yildiray Basturk, but along with Kalinic and Roberts, he was subbed in the second half. Niko had already hit the post before Ryan Nelson 's knee provided the opening goal and his 4th for the season. And it was still 0-1 at the break, and as time progressed Rovers still looked favourite for that rare away win. On 78 minutes Sylvan Ebanks-Blake came on in place of Kevin Foley ... on 80 he headed home the equaliser! Just like last week at home to Everton - the substitution paid dividends. As time ran out Keith Andrews hit the post, but Blackburn couldn't find a winner.
Sam Allardyce told reports "I thought it was a game we should have won. We had enough chances but failed to finish them off. In this league every position is worth £750,000 and that is a good down payment on a decent player. We want to finish as high as possible but we slipped up in allowing Ebanks-Blake a free header for the equaliser."
With Sunderland collecting a win that effectively relegated Hull city - the North East team joined Rovers on 44 points - but their better goal difference sees them in 10th and Blackburn moved up one to 11th place in the table. So now it's just two to go - Arsenal at home and Aston Villa away.
Sam Allardyce told reports "I thought it was a game we should have won. We had enough chances but failed to finish them off. In this league every position is worth £750,000 and that is a good down payment on a decent player. We want to finish as high as possible but we slipped up in allowing Ebanks-Blake a free header for the equaliser."
With Sunderland collecting a win that effectively relegated Hull city - the North East team joined Rovers on 44 points - but their better goal difference sees them in 10th and Blackburn moved up one to 11th place in the table. So now it's just two to go - Arsenal at home and Aston Villa away.
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
2 Great Goals .. but |
home run ends |
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Blackburn Rovers 2-3 Everton
NZONZI and ROBERTS
The last time Rovers kicked of at 3.00 pm on a Saturday at Ewood was last December - losing at home top Spurs. And that was also the last home league defeat - before today ! Things started and ended badly for Blackburn ... Ryan Nelsen conceding a penalty in the 3rd minute which Mikel Arteta had no trouble putting away, and then with seconds to go Tim Cahill scored the winner for the visitors after Rovers had come from behind twice with two superb goals. It's a pity that the top twelve strikes of the season had already been selected, because both this afternoon's shots would have been in there. After that early penalty Martin Olsson was among those who looked certain to put one past Tim Howard, but despite causing plenty of trouble for the Toffees defense the score remained stubbornly at 0-1 at the break. With almost 70 minutes played Martin Olsson helped Steven Nzonzi connect with the ball for a brilliant long range strike, 1-1. Less than ten minutes later Ayegbeni Yakubu came of the bench, and with his first touch gave the visitors the lead again. This time the lead only lasted two minutes! Jason Roberts had come on for Morten Gamst Pedersen, and Nikola Kalinic crossed for the striker to restore the balance with another screamer. 2-2 and just ten minutes to go. At this stage - with other results going their way Rovers would move up to tenth - but as the minutes ticked away Tim Cahill spoilt their day with the close range winner that ended the wonderful home run.
A thrilling afternoon, but one that left Rovers fans unhappy with more than one decision from the officials. The most obvious being a poke in the eye for Morten by Arteta. Surprisingly the contact which could easily have seen the Everton man sent off, saw them both collect a yellow card.
Big Sam told reporters " It is bitterly disappointing to lose because of the outstanding quality of our goals today. Steven Nzonzi's goal - our first - was tremendous, you won't have seen a better one anywhere in the country today, or perhaps all season. And when Jason Roberts scored our second equaliser I thought we would go on and win it but we couldn't finish our chances and they went and pinched the winner. We worked our way back into the game but it was very unlike us to defend the way we did today and concede three very poor goals."
As the season draws to a close, it was an amazing afternoon all round. Earlier Manchester City lost at home to United thanks to a 93rd minute goal from Paul Scholes and then in the late kick off Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 to close the gap at the top to just 1 single point. Arsenal play Wigan tomorrow, and a win could see them close the gap with a trip to Ewood Park on Bank Holiday Monday for the final home game of the season. (17th April 2010)
A thrilling afternoon, but one that left Rovers fans unhappy with more than one decision from the officials. The most obvious being a poke in the eye for Morten by Arteta. Surprisingly the contact which could easily have seen the Everton man sent off, saw them both collect a yellow card.
Big Sam told reporters " It is bitterly disappointing to lose because of the outstanding quality of our goals today. Steven Nzonzi's goal - our first - was tremendous, you won't have seen a better one anywhere in the country today, or perhaps all season. And when Jason Roberts scored our second equaliser I thought we would go on and win it but we couldn't finish our chances and they went and pinched the winner. We worked our way back into the game but it was very unlike us to defend the way we did today and concede three very poor goals."
As the season draws to a close, it was an amazing afternoon all round. Earlier Manchester City lost at home to United thanks to a 93rd minute goal from Paul Scholes and then in the late kick off Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 to close the gap at the top to just 1 single point. Arsenal play Wigan tomorrow, and a win could see them close the gap with a trip to Ewood Park on Bank Holiday Monday for the final home game of the season. (17th April 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
Another |
GREAT point |
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Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Manchester United
PHIL JONES
If Blackburn Rovers believe in being even handed - then their effect on this years title race proves it! Only a couple of weeks ago Chelsea came for a 'must win' game and were held in a 1-1 draw, and this afternoon Manchester United had to win to keep in touch with the top spot, but went away with just a point. A resilient defensive performance saw Paul Robinson block both United best chances from Antonio Valencia. Meanwhile for Rovers Chris Samba had the best opportunity in the first half, and Steven Nzonzi found his shot blocked by Gary Neville as time ran out. Sadly for Rovers Samba also left the game after pickling up an injury after just half an hour. His place more than ably taken by Captain Ryan Nelsen. Young Phil Jones played a further 90 minutes, and once again collected the sponsors 'Man of the Match' award. Rovers long undefeated home record continues - with just two teams taking maximum points all season.
Sam Allardyce told RADIO ROVERS "It was a difficult day for us because we knew that Manchester United had to come here and try and win the game to keep themselves in the race for the title.So we knew we couldn't get carried away and go galavanting forward and leaving the gaps and the spaces for Manchester United to exploit.They played an attacking side, so we had to be wary defensively. But apart from the save that Paul Robinson made just before half time he has had very little to do.The back four and the goalkeeper gave us a solid platform, then we tried as hard as we could and I think we got a really really good result today.This result makes it five games unbeaten, we've only conceded two goals in those five matches and we are looking a very solid unit."
With Wolves also holding Stoke City to a 0-0, Rovers remain 11th on goal difference - level on 43 points with Stoke. Next Saturday it's Everton at Ewood. (11th April 2010)
Sam Allardyce told RADIO ROVERS "It was a difficult day for us because we knew that Manchester United had to come here and try and win the game to keep themselves in the race for the title.So we knew we couldn't get carried away and go galavanting forward and leaving the gaps and the spaces for Manchester United to exploit.They played an attacking side, so we had to be wary defensively. But apart from the save that Paul Robinson made just before half time he has had very little to do.The back four and the goalkeeper gave us a solid platform, then we tried as hard as we could and I think we got a really really good result today.This result makes it five games unbeaten, we've only conceded two goals in those five matches and we are looking a very solid unit."
With Wolves also holding Stoke City to a 0-0, Rovers remain 11th on goal difference - level on 43 points with Stoke. Next Saturday it's Everton at Ewood. (11th April 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
Summer Striker |
a possibility |
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Deal for Dindane?
ARUNA DINDANE
Rover may have left Portsmouth with only one point yesterday - but they might also have acquired the services of Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane. Reports have suggested that Rovers are still after the player - one they thought they signed in January. Because of the unique financial circumstances at Portsmouth, the club are able to sell in advance of the Summer window - even though a Premier league side would not be able to play him 'till next season. SKY SPORTS report Big Sam as saying "I would expect we will try to give a decision early next week. We want to see whether we can secure the transfer first and foremost and we'll see where we go from there." They say that his parent club, Lens, are due a £4million fee if he makes two more appearances for Portsmouth. Pompey won't be able to pay that fee.
Dindane is 30 in November. He's spent the 2009-10 campaign on loan at with the club. (4th April 2010)
Dindane is 30 in November. He's spent the 2009-10 campaign on loan at with the club. (4th April 2010)
LINKS: skyports.com
2 points dropped |
v 10 man Pompey |
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Portsmouth 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
PHIL JONES
Rovers had most of the possession, the majority of shots on and off target - won the corner count hands down .... but just couldn't score against ten man Pompey. Another great game for Phil Jones - who impressed as Rovers started with just one change - the rerun of Paul Robinson in goal. And Jones, Dunn, Samba and Pedersen all managed to find the woodwork - Olsson found the Portsmouth keeper - sub Hoylet came close too. The muddy conditions didn't add to the spectacle, the result didn't see Portsmouth relegate - Sunday's games might. Rovers remain undefeated in the last four matches - but still struggle to win away.
A frustrated Big Sam told reporters "We've done this so many times. We've created so many chances to win a game away from home and failed to do it. It's not the performances. The final touch or the final quality in front of goal has been lacking away from home. That's why we only have two Premier League victories on the road instead of four or five." And the Blackburn boss points to 11 clean sheets this season - which he believes goes a long way to ensure a mid table finish. But he hopes that the final five matches will see them add to the points tally and finish in the top half.
With Stoke beating Hull City, they went above Rovers on goal difference .. pushing them down a place to 11th. Next weekend it's back to Ewood to host Manchester United, who fell off the top spot loosing today at home to Chelsea. It makes that game and the one against Arsenal part of a fascinating finish to the season. (3rd april 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
He's Dunn |
it again! |
41 points |
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Burnley 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
DAVID DUNN
It was David Dunn who scored Rovers first when Burnley came to Ewood Park last October - and the local lad did it again at Turf Moor. But this time his was the only goal, and the one that gave Rovers a rare away win, the double and most importantly the win over Burnley! There will be some controversy about the penalty awarded to Blackburn, as replays suggested that the Burnley keeper didn't make contact with Martin Olsson as he came in on goal. Initial thoughts were that Brian Jenson should also have seen red - but Dunny had no doubts as his put the spot kick away. Big Sam said HIS man of the match was Olsson - who obviously assisted for the pen, had a great goal disallowed and another seemed to hit the under part of the cross bar and cross the line! The clarets created little to test Jason Brown, but had a chance in both halves. As THE Lancashire derby the win was all that mattered to Blackburn fans - but the result also sees Rovers back in 10th and pass the psychological 40 points for the season. So more from the Prem next time round and still chances to add to the points tally with Portsmouth away next weekend. The chance of playing Burnley again next season looks less likely, as they stay 2nd bottom with a tough run in to come. Sam certainly knew what the result meant to Rovers fans as he joined the celebrations on the pitch looking like he'd won the title! The win was also Sam's first away as he'd missed the Bolton game following his heart procedure. So both wins were in effect in Lancashire derby's - with the Reebok probably nearer to Ewood than Turf Moor
Sam told the BBC "It's a big local derby for both sets of supporters ... we all know how important it is. I think people will discuss the penalty - but also Martin Olsson's who wasn't off side Also had a goal that should have counted. He had an outstanding game - hit the bar - don't know if it was in." Sam also pointed out the remarkable results that Chelsea have had this week since being held at Ewood and Birmingham City's against Arsenal. He believes Rovers are just not getting the credit they deserve.Now a top ten side with 41 points. (28th March 2010)
Sam told the BBC "It's a big local derby for both sets of supporters ... we all know how important it is. I think people will discuss the penalty - but also Martin Olsson's who wasn't off side Also had a goal that should have counted. He had an outstanding game - hit the bar - don't know if it was in." Sam also pointed out the remarkable results that Chelsea have had this week since being held at Ewood and Birmingham City's against Arsenal. He believes Rovers are just not getting the credit they deserve.Now a top ten side with 41 points. (28th March 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk AND goals910 AND t&t910
Who's a Rover? |
Matt is ... |
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"Best team on the Planet" says the Doc.
MATT SMITH
As the BBC prepares to unleash the latest Doctor on our screen this Easter, it turns out that the inter galactic time traveler would love to set his Tardis for Ewood Park! The Manchester Evening News reports that despite being born and brought up in Northampton, Matt Smith's dad is from Darwen, and like him Matt is a big Rovers fan. The paper quotes the star as saying: “They are the best team on the planet” - and he should know!
He joins a long list of celebrity supporters, including Blackburn MP and Justice Minister Jack Straw ... and despite the fact that we don't know if she IS a fan - Mr. Thatcher! She has the status of being an honorary Vice President of the club along with Mr. Straw. There's funny man Jim Bowen and 'Red Or Dead's' Wayne Hemingway but to name a few.
But never before has the team had the support of a Time Lord .... Mind you - always useful if you want to add a few minutes on to find another goal - or even to freeze time at a point where we're in a winning position! Good Luck to the new Doc - he'll be on our screens very soon (25th March 2010)
He joins a long list of celebrity supporters, including Blackburn MP and Justice Minister Jack Straw ... and despite the fact that we don't know if she IS a fan - Mr. Thatcher! She has the status of being an honorary Vice President of the club along with Mr. Straw. There's funny man Jim Bowen and 'Red Or Dead's' Wayne Hemingway but to name a few.
But never before has the team had the support of a Time Lord .... Mind you - always useful if you want to add a few minutes on to find another goal - or even to freeze time at a point where we're in a winning position! Good Luck to the new Doc - he'll be on our screens very soon (25th March 2010)
That's the way to |
Dunn It! |
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Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Birmingham City
DAVID DUNN
One disallowed and two that counted - David Dunn is once again Rovers top scorer for the season - and it all started with less than five minutes on the clock. A rampant Rovers took just 4'11" to take the lead as they hoped to hang on to their brilliant home form. After conceding at the start of Sunday's home tie with Chelsea, it was happy change! It looked likely that they'd go on to score a hat full. But Birmingham came back into the match and they were happy to go in still 1-0 up at half time. Niko Kalinic looked to be on his way down the wing to add another, but was wrongly flagged off side. Dunny had a perfectly good looking shot ruled out and it seemed only a matter of time before the boys from Birmingham, would get an equialiser. When James McFadden stepped up to take a free kick - the wall didn't stop the ball finding it's way straight into the back of Jason Brown's net. Only 10 minutes into the second half and all square. Dunny seemed determined to restore the advantage and show his former side what he could do! El-Hadji Diouf provided an inswinging corner - and David was there to help head it home. His celebration was considered "unsporting behavior" for which he received a yellow card. A nervous period saw a few more chances - and Birmingham City tried in vain to find an equaliser. They didn't and Blackburn's home record remained in tact.
Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS: "I thought the amount of effort we put in against Chelsea told a little bit, we could see that...but the resilience of the side and the quality of David Dunn has been the difference.He should have had a hat-trick tonight, Mark Clattenburg has denied him. Had it been given and it had been 2-0 at half-time it would have killed them off. But instead they came out and scored off a free-kick which was disappointing.But it was a great fightback and as the game went on we got better and Dunny scored to make it 2-1 and we saw the game out. In the end the support and the players have turned it into another fantastic win at home."
The result sees Rovers move up to 11th with 38 points and on Sunday the much waited for trip to Turf Moore where they hope to make it through the 40 point mark.
They last lost at home in the league last December "Top four form" according to a smiling Manager. (24th March 2010)
Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS: "I thought the amount of effort we put in against Chelsea told a little bit, we could see that...but the resilience of the side and the quality of David Dunn has been the difference.He should have had a hat-trick tonight, Mark Clattenburg has denied him. Had it been given and it had been 2-0 at half-time it would have killed them off. But instead they came out and scored off a free-kick which was disappointing.But it was a great fightback and as the game went on we got better and Dunny scored to make it 2-1 and we saw the game out. In the end the support and the players have turned it into another fantastic win at home."
The result sees Rovers move up to 11th with 38 points and on Sunday the much waited for trip to Turf Moore where they hope to make it through the 40 point mark.
They last lost at home in the league last December "Top four form" according to a smiling Manager. (24th March 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
Great Point |
Battling Performance |
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Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Chelsea
EL HADJI DIOUF
After being ousted from Europe last week - word was that Chelsea had had a visit from their man upstairs - telling them that the least he expected now was the Premier League title. With Arsenal top after yesterday - Manchester United piled more pressure on the Blues by coming from behind to beat Liverpool and take over the top spot.
So - at 16:00hrs the visitors knew that they had a must win game if they were going to put pressure on Arsenal & United. Not the best way for a well under strength Blackburn to prepare for their next big game at Ewood Park. And true to form - it only took 5 minutes for Nicolas Anelka to make it 0-1 and it seemed unlikely that Rovers would get anything from the game. But with 18 year old Phil Jones making his first Premier League start, and Chris Samba wearing the captains armband, there was some serious fight in the Blackburn eleven. Chelsea created a few more chances, but Jason Brown in goal for Paul Robinson was up to the task and they went in for the break still just one goal adrift. Big Sam must have said something impressive in the dressing room because the second half saw even more commitment from Rovers . Ready to meet any threat from Chelsea and defending to the last man. Then with 70 minutes gone Michel Salgado provided El-Hadji Diouf with the ball which he headed home, 1-1. More defending to come, and more chances for Rovers - but as the minutes ticked away the home fans were delighted to collect a valuable point and hold a top three side at Ewood.
Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS: " There is one name that sums things up for us today and that name is Phil Jones ...He made his debut and it was an outstanding performance from the young man, he showed a lot of commitment and a lot of quality and it revved everybody up. I think we were hanging on a little bit on the first half and he went and won a header, then he won a tackle and everybody else started joining in and that got the crowd on their feet and Chelsea were looking a bit ruffled and unsettled. I said to the lads at half-time that we have to get better quality on the ball but we have to keep up that pressure and if we got stuck into them we might have a chance.... that is what happened. Then there was some heroic defending towards the end, but it was just what you want against the big boys."
Rovers returned to 12th place with 35 points and Brimingham City are next up at Ewood on Wednesday night, (21st March 2010)
So - at 16:00hrs the visitors knew that they had a must win game if they were going to put pressure on Arsenal & United. Not the best way for a well under strength Blackburn to prepare for their next big game at Ewood Park. And true to form - it only took 5 minutes for Nicolas Anelka to make it 0-1 and it seemed unlikely that Rovers would get anything from the game. But with 18 year old Phil Jones making his first Premier League start, and Chris Samba wearing the captains armband, there was some serious fight in the Blackburn eleven. Chelsea created a few more chances, but Jason Brown in goal for Paul Robinson was up to the task and they went in for the break still just one goal adrift. Big Sam must have said something impressive in the dressing room because the second half saw even more commitment from Rovers . Ready to meet any threat from Chelsea and defending to the last man. Then with 70 minutes gone Michel Salgado provided El-Hadji Diouf with the ball which he headed home, 1-1. More defending to come, and more chances for Rovers - but as the minutes ticked away the home fans were delighted to collect a valuable point and hold a top three side at Ewood.
Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS: " There is one name that sums things up for us today and that name is Phil Jones ...He made his debut and it was an outstanding performance from the young man, he showed a lot of commitment and a lot of quality and it revved everybody up. I think we were hanging on a little bit on the first half and he went and won a header, then he won a tackle and everybody else started joining in and that got the crowd on their feet and Chelsea were looking a bit ruffled and unsettled. I said to the lads at half-time that we have to get better quality on the ball but we have to keep up that pressure and if we got stuck into them we might have a chance.... that is what happened. Then there was some heroic defending towards the end, but it was just what you want against the big boys."
Rovers returned to 12th place with 35 points and Brimingham City are next up at Ewood on Wednesday night, (21st March 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report and interviews) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
Bunn back |
Robbo out |
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PAUL ROBINSON
Blackburn have brought back Mark Bunn from his loan at Sheffield United, as they confirmed that first choice keeper Paul Robinson could be out for up to a month. Robbo was subbed at the weekend during Rovers game at Spurs - and the clubs official website confirms that scans now show a calf muscle injury. Big Sam is quoted as saying that the club will have to cope without their no.1 for a possible four week period. Meanwhile they've decided to bring Bunn back as extra cover. He's had a good run in Yorkshire making 35 appearances. Jason Brown should be on duty at the weekend when Chelsea are Rovers first visitors to Ewood in a month. (17th March 2010)
More Missery |
In London |
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Tottenham 3 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
CHRIS SAMBA
Rovers rarely have much success in the Capitol - and today was no exception. But it all seemed to be going well - and having created a few good chances, it was almost half time when Jermain Defoe found the opener 40 seconds into injury time. And there'd already been an injury blow for Blackburn, when Paul Robinson needed to be replaced by Jason Brown. Robbo will need a scan for what looks like a calf injury. Just one down , the Lancashire lads must have believed they could still get something from the game - but 10 minutes into the second half Roman Pavlyuchenko added Spurs second - and things looked much harder. Rovers didn't seem as positive as the first period, but when Morten Gamst Pedersen provided Chris Samba with an excellent cross - the big defender had little trouble heading home. Sadly it only took another five minutes for Pavlyuchenko to claim his second - and at 3-1 the game was effectively over. However - Steven Nzonzi put his shot wide and then Niko Kalinic looked to have claimed a second for Rovers - but the goal was disallowed. So once again Big Sam might feel that Blackburn didn't get what they deserved - he told reporters:
"It really was disappointing because overall we had a lion's share of the play. When we review the game and review the decisions, we have to and work as hard as we can to make them right because it's committing hari-kari almost. It's gifting them the goals rather than them using their ability and their talents to get the ball in the back of the net. We've been very generous to Tottenham and unfortunately that generosity has cost us getting anything out of this game"
Despite other results - Blackburn remain 12th - and start a very tough week next Sunday with Chelsea at Ewood Park, followed by the rearranged Birmingham, City game and then away at Burnley! (13th March 2010)
"It really was disappointing because overall we had a lion's share of the play. When we review the game and review the decisions, we have to and work as hard as we can to make them right because it's committing hari-kari almost. It's gifting them the goals rather than them using their ability and their talents to get the ball in the back of the net. We've been very generous to Tottenham and unfortunately that generosity has cost us getting anything out of this game"
Despite other results - Blackburn remain 12th - and start a very tough week next Sunday with Chelsea at Ewood Park, followed by the rearranged Birmingham, City game and then away at Burnley! (13th March 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report and interviews) ALSO rovers.co.uk (Robinson reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
Reidy packs Baggies |
Aley up from Southport! |
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Steven on loan at West Ham
STEVEN REID
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that midfielder Steven Reid has joined West Brom on a month long loan deal. After injury interruptions, the Irish International has already had a spell with Queens Park Rangers - and as fate would have it, his first game this weekend will be against them!
Rovers official website says the loan will cover 8 games right through until Good Friday.
Meanwhile - youngster Zac Akey (right) has joined Blackburn from Southport on an initial 18-month contract. The striker has already been on a short trail with Rovers. He's quoted in the Lancashire Telegraph as saying: “I’d been playing for Southport and I was aware that scouts had been coming to watch now and again. I’d been down to the Blackburn academy during last year for a trial, so I was surprised and happy they were taking a look at me again."
Good luck to them both (5th March 2010)
ZAC ALEY
Anfield |
Angst |
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Liverpool 2- 1 Blackburn Rovers
KEITH ANDREWS
Rovers manager admitted that despite loads of good work - they were missing a goal scorer at Anfield - but still a BIG improvement on last year 4-0!.
Blackburn certainly dominated all the early play, and tested the Liverpool keeper many times before conceding to Steven Gerrard's shot after twenty minutes. With the break five minutes away the referee awarded Rovers a spot kick following a Jamie Carragher handball. Keith Andrews stepped up, and had no trouble finding the back of the net - his first this season. 1-1, and at least what the visitors deserved. But the celebrations had hardly had time to get under way before the locals were ahead again.. this time Fernando Torres beat Paul Robinson to restore their advantage. At 2-1 Big Sam must have been confident that with a little more of what Rovers had offered in part 1 - they had they would have the ability to get at least one more goal and a valuable point. But the second half was much more Liverpool's and despite a further set good chances - Blackburn lacked a goal scorer and were unable to find another one. Reina was a match for anything Blackburn could muster, and when called upon Paul Robinson kept the cop quiet.
The Manager told the clubs official website "We are all very disappointed that we've lost. We created a host of chances but we didn't take them. But we have to take a lot of heart from that performance and make sure eventually that we turn it into a result .We've performed well and got nothing at the end of it, so often this season that has been the case and that is why we have only won one away from home.Our players gave a great account of themselves, I'm very pleased with the performance that they gave, I'm just disappointed they didn't get anything out of it."
The result, and the other's over the weekend, leaves Rovers in 12th place, and still just 4 points behind Fulham in 9th. After the International break, Blackburn travel to Spurs in two weeks time for another TV game at 12:45 on March 13th. (28th February 2010)
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full report and interviews) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND goals910 AND t&t910
gjmedia.co.uk
(c) MMX
(c) MMX