STEPHEN WARNOCK

NO REWARD DESPITE EARLY LEAD
Aston Villa 3-2 Blackburn Rovers
A goal in injury time at the end of both halves - and Rovers return from Villa Park with no points despite long periods in which they bossed the game ..
A late blow for Blackburn - was an injury during the warm up to Roque Santa Cruz - so Benni McCarthy started up front supported by Carlos Villanueva. Stephen Warnock claimed his Rovers first goal of the season - but with a minute of extra time added to the first half Luke Young claimed his first Aston Villa goal as the ref blew his interval whistle. Blackburn only had themselves to blame for giving the ball away after the break - and Villa took their chances to take a 3-1 lead - but with 93 minutes on the watch, Rovers collected a very late consolation goal.
Rovers seemed to have claimed most of the first half play & possession - and an under par Villa seemed to have little to offer. On the half hour mark Benni McCarthy linked up with Stephen Warnock - playing once again in midfield - and the ball flew past Brad Friedel to give the visitors the lead. As the 45 minutes ran down, Rovers seemed less together, and started to give the ball away. So when Nicky Shorey crossed to Luke Young, there was little Paul Robinson could do to keep the ball out, 1-1 at the break. Again it was Blackburn who started the stronger, with some great passing and build up play - but they were unable to test Freidel. Just past the hour Gareth Barry scored from close range and then Rovers had to contend with a head injury to Warnock. He spend some time on the ground but recovered to continue - if a little groggy. Ince made substitutions - bringing on Matt Derbyshire and Martin Olsson for McCarthy and Gamst Pedersen. Strangely the changes seemed to weaken the visitors, and with less than four minutes to go Agbonlahor put the game beyond them. However just like last Saturday - with three minutes of injury time already played, Derbyshire was brought down just outside the area. And it was Brett Emerrton who took the free kick finding the back of Friedel's net.
Blackburn will believe they deserved at least a point - and return to the midlands on Saturday needing to find a winner to keep in touch with the mid table group of teams.
bbc.co.uk (report) PLUS goals0809 + t&t0809

BRILLIANT BENNI LATE SHOW
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Middlesbrough
It took until the 94th minute for Rovers to find an equaliser and salvage a well deserved point at Ewood Park. Middlesbrough were top of the 'conceded late' league going into the game - and they held onto that title. To be fair to the visitors, they had a perfectly good goal ruled out for off side when Tuncay's overhead kick from just inside the area flew past Paul Robinson. But Rovers had also looked likely to collect a couple of goals with Roque Santa Cruz unlucky not to beat an in form Boro' keeper. In the 75th minute Afonso Alves did break the deadlock and completely against the run of play the visitors had the lead ... Paul Ince had brought on Benni McCarthy for Matt Derbyshire, and Rovers continued to look for at least the one goal they deserved. The injury time board signaled 4 minutes, and when Rovers won a corner - even Paul Robinson came forward. But he wasn't needed -as McCarthy headed home to rescue the point.
Paul Ince told reporters "I am delighted and I'm a bit angry and annoyed. It would have been a travesty if we had come away from that game with nothing. I always said when I first came to Blackburn if we get a fit and hungry Benni McCarthy he will always be in my side. He's a fantastic guy, he's always smiling and he does try hard."
It was Benni's first goal since last February when he scored from the penalty spot at home to Bolton in a memorable 4-1 win. Rovers are 10th on goal difference - but level on point with 8th place West Brom.
bbc.co.uk (report) ALSO bbc.co.uk (PAUL INCE INTERVEIW) PLUS goals0809 + t&t0809

NB - DON'T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK TONIGHT TO GMT

15 years on-the air ...
RADIO ROVERS BIRTHDAY EDITION
On October 30th 1993 - the UK's first dedicated Football Club radio station went on-air from Ewood Park. Alan Yardley, Wendy Howard and Gerald Jackson created some radio history with a special 'RSL' radio license that allowed the station to broadcast every home match day for the rest of the season. And since then, Radio Rovers has offered 7 hours of 'live' programmes from the ground for each game played at home.
Gerald Jackson joined Alan who accepted the challenge of building stations for Manchester United, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Everton over the next few years.

Alan now looks after Rovers TV on a matchday - but still oversees the Radio operation. Gerald is still the main show host, and has only missed broadcasts a few years ago following an illness. Wendy is part of the commentary team with Neil Yardley.

This Saturday when Rovers play Middlesbrough - Radio Rovers will celebrate it's 15th birthday and play again the very first "Rhythms of the Blues" programme featuring the then Blackburn star player Graeme le Saux.

Hear the full matchday programme from 13:30 hrs on Saturday October 25th - with "Rhythms" included at 16:00 hrs. As always there's full match commentary when the match kicks off at 17:30 BST.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL RADIO ROVERS GUIDE from 1993

DERBY POINTS SHARED
Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
Rovers made 5 changes from the team that lost at home in the last North West derby - against Man Utd. Back in came Danny Simpson and Paul Robinson, and there was a first Premiere league start for Robbie Fowler. Paul Ince didn't include Morten Gamst Pedersen in his 18 - but did give another big chance to Carlos Villanueva. The youngster hit the woodwork in the first half, Jason Roberts should have found the target and a 3-0 lead for Rovers would have been a fair half time reflection. Bolton regained their composure for the second half, and Blackburn found themselves absorbing plenty of pressure. But with Matt Derbyshire on for the last half hour there was much more momentum. But neither team were able to break through and Rovers continued to deny Bolton a home win in this fixture for the 8th successive season.
Paul Ince called Jason Roberts first half chance "the golden chance" and he praised how well the back four defended. Ince pointed out that his squad had only just returned from their International calls. Many had crossed the world - and he was impressed by their total commitment.
"People have said every since I came to the club that we do not have character but we have shown in this game and against Everton a never-say-die spirit and have been very resolute." The result gave Rovers a useful point and they hold on to 9th place - with a home tie to Middlesbrough next Saturday at 5:30 pm.
bbc.co.uk (report) ALSO bbc.co.uk (PAUL INCE INTERVEIW) PLUS goals0809 + t&t0809

UNITED TOO STRONG FOR ROVERS
Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Manchester United
In monsoon conditions, Blackburn Rovers played host to the European Champions - and it showed. Not only did Sir Alex's team cope with the continuous rain, but they also managed to retain the ball for long passages of play - giving Rovers little chance to create many chances. Controversy also surrounded United's first goal - Wes Brown beating Jason Brown after the Blackburn keeper had just made a wonderful save. Brown (Jason) collided with Vidic as he went to try and collect a Rooney cross and the ball was then headed in by Wes Brown. Paul Ince told reporters after the game "I wouldn't say it cost us the game but it was 0-0. If the referee can't see it then he shouldn't be a referee. If not then the linesman should see it - it was a diabolical decision." 0-1 at the break and there were still hopes that Rovers might make some sort of fight back - but as the weather showed no sign of improvement - neither did the home teams performance. Jason Brown made some more great saves - but eventually Wayne Rooney collected a Ronaldo cross to make it 0-2. Rovers had some late pressure - but they were outplayed by a better team on the day.
The Rovers manager conceded: "They are the champions of Europe and are a fantastic side and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. They are a fantastic side with some great players.As far as I'm concerned, against the top four it is always going to be a bonus if you get something from it." Jason Brown was named man of the match for his heroic performance.
The International break will at least allow some time for injured players to come back. Ince was concerned that Roque Santa Cruz might have to travel despite coming off with an injury during the game. Next up it's Bolton a week on Saturday away. (4th October 2008)
bbc.co.uk (report) ALSO bbc.co.uk (PAUL INCE INTERVEIW) PLUS goals0809 + t&t0809