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Saturday 1st April 2006

KHAN COMMITS HIMSELF TO ROVERS

Blackburn Rovers have announced this afternoon that manager Faiz Khan has agreed on a new 2 year extension to his current contract. The new deal will now run until June 2008 and Khan declared himself very pleased to have committed himself to the Rovers cause. He also stated that this season was all about shrugging off the relegation tags and next season, he is aiming to take Blackburn to new heights and win their first trophy since 2002.

Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams has declared himself absolutely delighted that Khan has agreed to renew his contract with the club. He feels that Khan has shown massive commitment to the club by signing this new deal which will mean a great deal to the players and supporters alike.

Before their match against Arsenal at Highbury this afternoon, Blackburn Rovers' commanding centre-back Karl Svensson was very pleased that the club had seen sense in retaining Faiz Khan who he believes is more than capable of great things. He had also commented that Khan had established himself as an accomplished manager and he was absolutely delighted he would be staying at Ewood Park for the next 2+ years.

retired_samreen

Keep it up mate. Very good so far :thup:

retired_tnovo

Cheers mate, really enjoying the challenge. Got Arsenal away next!

retired_samreen

good luck

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Saturday 1st April 2006

10 MAN ARSENAL DISMANTLE UNLUCKY ROVERS
ARSENAL 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2

I think they made Arsenal mad! Arsenal showed amazing character to destroy Blackburn Rovers at Highbury this afternoon. Ashley Cole was sent off early and Blackburn took advantage by taking a two goal lead through Matt Jansen's 10th goal of the season and Brett Emerton's 1st goal of the season. Thierry Henry pulled a goal back before halftime and after halftime, the home side ripped the visitors apart. Second half goals from Jose Antonio Reyes, Sol Campbell, Henry and Cesc Fabregas left Faiz Khan and his players in awe and amazement. In truth, it was a very even match but it was the Gunners’ composure in front of goal that made all the difference. Khan made four changes to the side that beat Sunderland with Steven Drench, Ryan Nelsen, Vratislav Gresko and Steven Reid replacing injured keeper Peter Enckleman, Aaron Mokoena, ineligible David Bentley and David Thompson. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made just the one alteration from the wonderful victory in Germany in midweek with Robert Pires replaced by Fabregas.

On a very warm and humid April afternoon in North London, referee Jamie Ward got the match going. The match got a fast and furious start with a controversial incident after just 7 minutes. Lucas Neill's high ball down the right channel sent Emerton speeding away with acres of space to run into but he was brought crashing down from behind by Cole. The referee showed no hesitation and sent off the England international - television replays showed that at least one defender was getting back in time so maybe a very harsh decision. Even after that, Arsenal came close to taking the lead. Aliaksandr Hleb fed the ball to Henry who teed up Reyes from 25 yards out but his powerful effort was well over the crossbar. On 11 minutes, Robbie Savage swung a corner towards the far post where Reid didnt connect properly with the volley and the ball went sailing wide of the goal. On the counter attack, Campbell was flicked on by Reyes to send Henry through on goal but his delicate chip was just inches wide if the goal. And that missed opportunity proved costly as Blackburn made their one man advantage count with a great team goal. Emerton went strolling down a deserted right flank and cut the ball inside to an onrushing Neill who crossed first time for Jansen to literally pass the ball into the far corner - his 10th goal of the season and what a goal! Just minutes later, Rovers should have added to their tally. Shefki Kuqi sent Jansen clean through on goal but Jens Lehmann stood tall and blocked the shot and the ball was cleared to safety. But halfway through the first half, Blackburn were two up with another fantastic team goal. Karl Svensson's high ball was flicked on by Kuqi to send Jansen through on goal and the Englishman squared for an unmarked Emerton to roll the ball home - his 1st goal of the season and again what a goal! On 35 minutes, Arsenal missed the opportunity to get back into the match. Reyes spreaded the ball out to Robin van Persie on the left who crossed to the far post but Henry's firm header was superbly kept out by Drench. Five minutes before halftime, Arsenal got a goal back due to some slack defending. Michael Gray was caught hogging the ball for far too long by Fabregas and the Spaniard crossed for Henry to slide the ball home first time - Khan was frustrated on the touchline as he would have wanted to go in at the break with at least the two goal lead. Blackburn had the chance to re-establish the two goal lead on halftime. Gresko threaded a great through ball to send Reid clear with only Lehmann only that Reid couldnt do that and the German international was equal to the task. The referee blew for the interval moments later to bring a pulsating end to end first half to a halt. Arsenal were rocked early on when they lost a man and then Rovers took a two goal lead but the home side got a goal back before halftime and they will be coming out for the second period with renewed optimism and confidence. The score at halftime from Highbury was ARSENAL 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.

The second half began with the Gunners looking to salvage something from this match. And straight from the restart, Arsenal were back on level terms. van Persie went bursting down the left flank and cut the ball inside for Gilberto. The Brazilian then went into the area before squaring the ball for Reyes who slid the ball first time into the far corner - if Khan was mad at the first goal, then the second would have got him all red-faced indeed! Blackburn almost regained the lead soon after. Savage came storming forward before teeing up Reid from almost 35 yards out but his firm effort was far too high to go into the back of the net. Moments later, Arsenal completed the comeback by taking the lead for the first time. Fabregas received a throw from Lauren and saw Campbell running unmarked towards the area. The Spaniard teed the England international up and he sweeped the ball into the far corner from the edge of the area. The goal gave the home side the confidence to go and try to score more goals. And they did after the hour thanks to hesitance from Drench. Drench passed the ball short to Neill who passed back with Henry rushing towards the keeper and Drench slipped allowing the gleeful Henry to tap home - poor keeper's been brought in because of the injuries and he just simply got scared of Henry running at him! On 75 minutes, the home side broke and scored another goal. Substitute Quincy Owusu Abeyie took the ball past Svensson and played a wonderfully weighted pass through to Fabregas who took the ball into the area before smashing it underneath poor Drench's body - you make your senior debut away to Arsenal and you just thought this could happen! Drench was so scared to touch the ball that when a poor Fabregas cross came towards him he left it to go into the net before Neill scrambled back to clear it off the line. Reid then came forward with purpose and unleashed a powerful effort which Lehmann did well to keep out and the ball was cleared to safety. The clock ran past 90 minutes and three minutes of stoppage time and referee Jamie Ward blew to end an amazing match. Arsenal won a match that they shouldnt of. They didnt started too well as they were reduced to ten men and then Blackburn took a two goal advantage. But Arsenal were back in the game on halftime and after the break they bust Rovers open scoring twice in five minutes. The home side then scored two more goals before fulltime to complete an exhilerating match. The final score from an excited Highbury was ARSENAL 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.

Arsenal : Lehmann 9, Lauren 7, Cole 6, Toure 8, Campbell 8, Hleb 6 (Kranjcar 64, 6), van Persie 6 (Clichy 46, 7), Fabregas 8, Gilberto 8, Henry 9, Reyes 8 (Owusu Abeyie 74, 7).

Goals : Henry (41, 65), Reyes (46), Campbell (50), Fabregas (76)

Sent Off : Cole (7)

Blackburn : Drench 6, Neill 7, Gray 4 (Thompson 61, 6), Nelsen 6, Svensson 6, Emerton 7, Gresko 7 (Flitcroft 61, 6), Savage 7, Reid 6, Kuqi 7 (Dickov 45, 6), Jansen 7.

Goals : Jansen (15), Emerton (23)

Man of the Match : Thierry Henry - with some good performers, the Frenchman was a class apart driving his side to victory from the face to defeat. Capped his display off with two predatory goals.

Attendance : 38407
Referee : Jamie Ward

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Monday 3rd April 2006

EMERTON SHINING LIGHT IN ROVERS DEFEAT

Despite their bruising defeat at Arsenal at the weekend, Brett Emerton was picked out as a standout player this past weekend when selected in the Premiership Team of the Week. The team is as follows:

Jens Lehmann (Arsenal)

Gary Neville (Man Utd)
Mikael Silvestre (Man Utd)
Jonathan Fortune (Charlton)
Franck Queudrue (Middlesbrough)

Brett Emerton (Blackburn)
Jiri Jarosik (Birmingham)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
John Arne Riise (Liverpool)

Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

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Sunday 9th April 2006

ROVERS TAUGHT A LESSON BY CHAMPS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 CHELSEA 3

Well, a lesson in finishing perhaps? Faiz Khan watched his side slipped out of 7th place as they were soundly beaten by defending champions Chelsea at Ewood Park this afternoon. First half goals from Frank Lampard and Joe Cole put the away side in control. Blackburn tried manfully to get back in the game but they were finished off in stoppage time by a goal from Didier Drogba. In truth, Blackburn did not disgrace themselves against the champions but it was their composure infront of goal that let Rovers down badly. Khan made two changes to the side that were pummeled by Arsenal with Richard Lee and David Bentley returning to replace Steven Drench and Vratislav Gresko. Chelsea gaffer Jose Mourinho made three changes from the defeat in Milan with William Gallas, Ricardo Carvalho and Hernan Crespo making way for Asier Del Horno, Robert Huth and Cole.

On a dry Sunday afternoon in Blackburn, referee Uriah Rennie got the proceedings up and running. The visitors were quickly in their stride and took an early lead. Claude Makelele found Cole on the right with a beautiful crossfield pass and the England international crossed into the area where Lampard took one touch before stroking the ball past Lee into the far corner. Blackburn were stung into action from that goal and almost equalised six minutes later. Steven Reid stormed towards the Chelsea penalty area and played in Shefki Kuqi but his firm and low effort was tipped wide superbly by Petr Cech at his near post. On 16 minutes, Chelsea almost extended their lead. Paulo Ferreira's high clearence put Drogba clean through on goal but his attempted chip was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Lee. On 21 minutes, Robbie Savage sent Matt Jansen clear on goal but his effort was high, wide and handsome. Four minutes later, Chelsea punished slack marking from the home side and scored a second goal. Firstly, Arjen Robben swung in a corner from the left where Huth's firm header was tipped over superbly by Lee. From the resulting corner from the other side, Robben found an unmarked Cole at the near post and he planted the header in off the near post. Blackburn came to close to pulling a goal back just before the halfhour. Del Horno was booked for a foul on Brett Emerton on the edge of the area and up stepped Savage with a direct freekick which was stopped by Cech when it looked a certain goal - an outstanding stop. Just after the halfhour, Drogba went through on goal but he stopped by a fantastic tackle from Karl Svensson and when the ball was won back by Michael Essien, he shot just inches over the crossbar. Five minutes before halftime, Blackburn had Lee thank again with a miraculous stop. Lampard came forward and teed up Essien from 30 yards whose first time goalbound curler was somehow kept out by Lee's fingertips. The referee blew for halftime after two minutes of stoppage time. Chelsea started the brighter of the two teams and took a two goal lead. For the rest of the first half, both sides traded opportunities but both keepers are really on song this afternoon. Well, Cech more than Lee though as the halftime scoreline from Ewood Park reads BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 CHELSEA 2.

The second half got underway at Ewood Park with both sets of supporters still getting into their royal blue seats. Blackburn started very brightly in the second period and should have pulled a goal back. Lucas Neill went down the right flank and his low cross found Kuqi with loads of space to shoot but his effort was kept by Cech with his mere fingertips. Moments later, Savage's inswinger fron the left found unmarked substitute Craig Bellamy but his header was also superbly kept out by Cech. Just after the hour, Blackburn almost scored. Savage sent a wonderful pass over the top for Emerton in acres of space and his low cross was swept into the far corner by substitute David Thompson but the flag was already up for offside and the goal would not stand. Halfway through the second half, some wonderful football almost led to a third Chelsea goal. Essien passed to Lampard who found Robben with a great first time ball but the Dutchman was stopped by Svensson's saving tackle. And as the ball went into the air, Drogba's firm header was saved by a backpedalling Lee in the Blackburn goal. With just 15 minutes remaining, John Terry sent Cole clear with a loads of space and he stormed towards goal only for Ryan Nelsen to stop him brilliantly and as the ball came back to Essien, the Ghana international's shot was tipped over brilliantly by Lee. With four minutes remaining, Rovers realised that this just not to be their day. Bentley came forward and his far post cross was headed goalwards by Savage only for Cech to pull another wonderful save and then the rebound was struck back by Savage but Cech was there once again to block the effort with his body. And in stoppage time, Chelsea showed their opponents hows it's done with a great third goal. Substitute sent Cole away busting down the left flank and his first time cross to the near post was firmly headed past Lee by Drogba into the roof of the net - the Chelsea fans were dancing in the stands as they heralded another goal from the champions. Referee Uriah Rennie ended the match almost immediately after the goal and Chelsea were the winners this afternoon. They simply controlled most parts of the first half taking a two goal lead into halftime. But in the second half, Blackburn came back into the game but could not find a away past the outstanding Cech and Chelsea rounded a pulsating match off by netting a late third goal. The final score from a very spirited Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 CHELSEA 3.

Blackburn : Lee 7, Neill 6, Gray 5 (Thompson 62, 6), Nelsen 7, Svensson 7, Emerton 6, Bentley 6, Savage 7, Reid 7, Kuqi 7 (Flitcroft 62, 6), Jansen 6 (Bellamy 45, 6).

Booked : Neill & Bellamy

Chelsea : Cech 9, Ferreira 8, Del Horno 8 (Gallas 73, 7), Terry 9, Huth 8, Essien 7 (Diarra 82, 7), Makelele 7, Lampard 8, Cole 9, Drogba 8, Robben 8 (Gudjohnsen 73, 7).

Goals : Lampard (5), Cole (26), Drogba (90)

Booked : Del Horno, Huth & Essien

Man of the Match : Joe Cole - the flamboyant winger was absolutely fantastic for Chelsea down both wings, teasing and tormenting both Blackburn's full backs. His great play saw him score the second goal and set up the other goals. A brilliant all round performance.

Attendance : 31256
Referee : Uriah Rennie

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Saturday 15th April 2006

EFFICIENT DISPLAY ENOUGH FOR POOL
LIVERPOOL 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1

Efficiency is the key my friend! Liverpool kept up the pressure on Manchester United with an efficient victory over Blackburn Rovers at Anfield this afternoon. First half goals from Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Luis Garcia gave Liverpool a two goal lead at the interval. In the second half, Sinama-Pongolle added a stunning third goal before Matt Jansen scored a mere consolation for Blackburn in injury time. It was in truth, a very good and even match but once again, the favourites' composure infront of goal was the difference in the end. Manager Faiz Khan named an unchanged lineup from the defeat by Chelsea last weekend Sunday while Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez made two alterations from the team that were beaten at Middlesbrough with Godwin Antwi and Sinama-Pongolle coming in for Djimi Traore and Boudewijn Zenden.

Referee Martin Atkinson got the match underway in Saturday sunshine conditions on Merseyside. Liverpool made a good start and should have scored after 3 minutes. Sinama-Pongolle crossed to the far post where Karl Svensson cleared off the line and the ball came out to the onrushing Steven Gerrard who shot first time just past the post. But the home side didnt have to wait long to break the deadlock. Jamie Carragher received a throw from Gerrard and his high cross into the area eluded everyone and Sinama-Pongolle was hand with a well placed volley past Richard Lee. Liverpool were playing some wonderful stuff and they almost scored a second goal almost immediately after the first. Some great one touch passing involving Mohamed Sissoko, Sinama-Pongolle and Luis Garcia teed up Xabi Alonso from 30 yards out but his vicious curler of a shot was superbly kept out by Lee. After 12 minutes, Blackburn fashioned out their first opportunity of the match and it was a good one. Shefki Kuqi went dribbling down the left flank and his cross to the far post was met by a sweetly struck volley from Brett Emerton only for Jose Reina to pull a wonderful fingertip save. Just short of 20 minutes on the clock, Blackburn had their second good opportunity of the match. Lucas Neill sent Emerton speeding down the right flank and the Australian international crossed to the far post where Kuqi's firm header was tipped over brilliantly by Reina - Kuqi hasnt scored since February and you can tell by the frustration on his face. Just before the halfhour, Gerrard swung a corner into the area from the right where Sissoko's header was blocked by Svensson on the line. Five minutes later, Blackburn cleared a Riise corner and the ball came out to Gerrard who teed up Sami Hyypia from 25 yards but his effort was wild wasnt troubling Lee as the ball flew high over the crossbar. Just before halftime, Liverpool rounded off a decent first half performance with the second goal. Alonso sent a wonderful cross towards the far post where Djibril Cisse nodded the ball down for Garcia to slide the ball past Lee into the far corner. The referee blew for the interval moments later to bring a decent first half to an end. Liverpool started fast and took an early lead but Blackburn almost hit back as they started creating but wasting good opportunities. The half with Liverpool extending their lead and that leaves the scoreline at LIVERPOOL 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

As both sets of supporters were swapping general chanting banter, the second half got up and running. Blackburn started the second period determined to get back into the game and they should have scored a goal straight away. Svensson's high ball into the penalty area was flicked on by Kuqi into the path Jansen but his effort was straight at Reina and the chance had gone. On 57 minutes, Gerrard and Carragher exchanged passes before teeing up Garcia from 25 yards out but his powerful effort was just inches wide of the goal. And Liverpool made their bit of pressure count after the hour with a fantastic goal. Alonso saw Sinama-Pongolle unmarked on the edge of the area and his corner was met first time on the half volley by Sinama-Pongolle and the strike flew past poor substitute Peter Enckleman to leave the whole ground breathless. Almost immediately after the goal, Liverpool threatened to run riot and almost scored a fourth. Garcia went strolling down the left and passed through to Cisse whose shot from a very tight angle was wonderfully stopped by Enckleman in the Blackburn goal. Halfway through the second period, Blackburn should have got a goal back. David Bentley went down the left flank where he crossed to the near post where Steven Reid's glancing header was superbly tipped away by Reina. Minutes later, Sinama-Pongolle went running at a very afraid Rovers backline before teeing up Cisse from 30 yards and his effort went crashing into the sidenetting. With ten minutes remaining, Emerton went running at the home defenders and then crossed for Reid to head well over the crossbar. In stoppage time, Blackburn got the goal that they probably deserved for all their effort and endeavour. Bentley threaded a great ball through for substitute Craig Bellamy and although his effort was stopped by Reina, the ball kept going towards the open net before Jansen pounced to smash home the loose ball. That was the last kick of the match as referee Martin Atkinson blew for fulltime. Liverpool were control in the first half taking a two goal lead into the halftime and in the second half, they scored another just after the hour to make the game safe. Not even Blackburn's late goal could dampen Liverpool supporters' mood. The final score from Anfield was LIVERPOOL 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Liverpool : Reina 8, Carragher 8, Riise 8, Antwi 7 (Finnan 75, 6), Hyypia 8, Alonso 8, Sissoko 8 (Morientes 61, 6), Garcia 7, Gerrard 7, Cisse 7, Sinama-Pongolle 8 (Idrizaj 75, 6).

Goals : Sinama-Pongolle (4, 64), Garcia (44)

Blackburn : Lee 6 (Enckleman 45, 7), Neill 6 (Mokoena 45, 6), Gray 7, Nelsen 7, Svensson 7, Emerton 7, Bentley 7, Savage 7, Reid 7, Kuqi 6 (Bellamy 62, 7), Jansen 8.

Goals : Jansen (90)

Man of the Match : Jose Manuel Reina - the goalkeeper was a great example of confidence of catching hard crosses and also made two or three world-class saves to keep Blackburn from getting back into the match.

Attendance : 45334
Referee : Martin Atkinson

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Monday 17th April 2006

JANSEN BRACE NAILS THE HAMMERS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 WEST HAM UNITED 0

Well, didnt they need a result like that! Faiz Khan saw his side win their first Premiership in three by beating West Ham United at Ewood Park this afternoon. A goal in each half from Matt Jansen was all that was needed for Blackburn to keep the pressure on Middlesbrough in 7th place. It was a result that Rovers certainly deserved as they dominated this match for long periods. Khan made four changes from the defeat at Liverpool just two days ago with Peter Enckleman, Aaron Mokoena, Vratislav Gresko and David Thompson coming in to replace Richard Lee, Ryan Nelsen, David Bentley and Steven Reid. Hammers manager Alan Pardew made three changes from the team beaten at home by Middlesbrough by bringing in Anton Ferdinand, Sekou Baradji and Steven Naismith for Christian Dailly, Paul Konchesky and Jeremie Aliadiere.

On a dry Easter Monday afternoon at Ewood Park, referee Chris Foy got the proceedings underway. Blackburn started brightly from the first whistle as they almost took the lead. Shefki Kuqi spreaded the ball out to Gresko on the left and his cross towards the near post was met by a firm header from Emerton which was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Roy Carroll. And Rovers built on that pressure by taking an early lead. Emerton gave the ball to Lucas Neill who crossed towards the near post and although Carroll stopped Kuqi's firm header, he could not do anything about Jansen's instant rebound effort which flew past Carroll into the far corner. After 18 minutes, Robbie Savage played a corner towards Gresko on the edge of the area and his first time effort was cleared off the line by Ferdinand. On 27 minutes, Karl Svensson nodded down a Savage corner to tee up Mokoena from 25 yards out but his effort was also cleared off the line, this time by Yossi Benayoun. West Ham were struggling to attack the Blackburn backline but in stoppage time, they almost equalised. Michael Gray was penalised for a push on Naismith and Christophe Landrin stepped to curl his direct freekick towards the top corner until Enckleman plucked the ball from going into the net and smother the ball at the second attempt. Moments later, the referee blew for the break to bring the first half to an end. Blackburn started very brightly taking the lead in the process. They continued to control the majority of the first half until West Ham almost hit back before halftime but at the break the scoreline was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 WEST HAM UNITED 0.

The club mascots were involved in a rather funny fight before the second half got up and running here at Ewood Park. And almost immediately, Blackburn were quickly in their stride and almost scored a second goal. Substitute Paul Konchesky barged into the back of Emerton and up stepped Savage from 25 yards out but his effort was superbly stopped by Carroll and the ball was cleared to safety. On 53 minutes, Blackburn had a great opportunity to extend their lead. Savage received a Neill throw and sent in a cross towards the far post where Kuqi's header was very weak and straight into Carroll's arms. And then moments later, Carroll had to be very alert once again to deny Savage's direct freekick from 30 yards out. Halfway through the second half, West Ham had their big opportunity to equalise. Some very slick one touch passing involving Nigel Reo-Coker, Benayoun and Naismith put Landrin clear on goal but he could only shoot at the body of Enckleman and the ball was cleared to safety. A minute later, Jansen sent substitute Craig Bellamy through on goal but his shot was superbly stopped by Carroll with his fingertips and the ball went for the corner, which came to nothing. With just seven minutes remaining, Blackburn finished the game off with a superb goal. Gresko gave the ball to Mokoena who sent the ball beautifully over the top for Jansen and he showed great composure by lifting the ball over Carroll who was going to ground. That was the last action of the match as the referee called a halt to the game after three minutes of injury time. Blackburn were fantastic taking an early lead and then dominating the first half. In the second half, it was very even with West Ham having the more clear-cut opportunities but they couldnt take them and Rovers rounded off the game by sealing the three points towards the end of the match. The final scoreline from a very happy Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 WEST HAM UNITED 0.

Blackburn : Enckleman 7, Neill 8, Gray 7, Svensson 7, Mokoena 8, Emerton 7 (Reid 71, 7), Gresko 7, Savage 6 (Flitcroft 61, 7), Thompson 7, Kuqi 7 (Bellamy 61, 7), Jansen 8.

Goals : Jansen (7, 83)

Booked : Savage

West Ham : Carroll 7, Waehler 7, Noll 7 (Konchesky 45, 8), Ferdinand 8, Collins 6, Landrin 7, Baradji 6 (Harewood 61, 6), Retov 7, Reo-Coker 6, Benayoun 6 (Aldonin 72, 6), Naismith 6.

Man of the Match : Aaron Mokoena - the commanding centre-back was superb at the back with his distribution and he was unbeatable both on the ground and in the air. Capped his performance off by setting up Jansen's second goal.

Attendance : 23331
Referee : Chris Foy

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Saturday 22nd April 2006

YAKUBU DOUBLE SINKS ROVERS
MIDDLESBROUGH 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0

Why cant they finish, oh why cant they finish? Faiz Khan saw his side waste their lines once again at the most critical of times this season as they were beaten by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this afternoon. Two quick goals in the second half from Yakubu Aiyegbeni were enough to all but rule Blackburn out of the reckoning for UEFA Cup places. It was a very close and even match with both sides having opportunities but unfortunately for Khan, his side's lack of composure put paid to their chance this afternoon. Khan made five changes from the side that West Ham with Richard Lee, Ryan Nelsen, David Bentley, Steven Reid and Craig Bellamy replacing Peter Enckleman, Aaron Mokoena, Vratislav Gresko, David Thompson and Matt Jansen. Steve McClaren made just the one change to his Middlesbrough line-up with Chris Riggott replaced by Gareth Southgate.

On a very nice April afternoon in the North East, referee Phil Dowd got the match underway. The first opportunity of the game fell to the home side after 8 minutes. Stewart Downing went running down the left wing and cut inside before passing to Romeo Castelen who found Yakubu first time clear on goal but the Nigerian's effort was poorly connected with and the ball went well wide. On 21 minutes, Middlesbrough had a great double opportunity to take the lead. Sonny Anderson went running at the Blackburn backline before unleashing a powerful effort that was beaten out by Lee and the rebound fell to Blagoy Georgiev whose effort was caught easily by Lee in the Blackburn goal. Middlesbrough were really starting to put the pressure on and after the halfhour, Georgiev went on an exciting run through the middle before sending Yakubu through on goal but his shot was just inches over the crossbat with Lee beaten. Blackburn did not have their first opportunity until five minutes before halftime and it was best one so far. Robbie Savage sent a corner in towards the near post where an unmarked Reid could only head over the crossbar from six yards out. The referee stopped the match for halftime minutes later to bring a quite an uneventful half to an end. From what went on in this first half, Middlesbrough had the clearer openings and Rovers had better start playing as they really need to win this match if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the UEFA Cup proper. The halftime score at the Riverside Stadium was MIDDLESBROUGH 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

The second period was up and running as Faiz Khan was just getting back to the dugout after obviously grilling his side at the interval for their lifeless performance in the first half. And that grilling almost worked straight from the restart as Blackburn should have taken the lead. A high clearence was flicked on by Bellamy which sent Shefki Kuqi through on goal with only substitute Mark Schwarzer to beat but the Finn could only fire the ball well over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Rovers had their second big opportunity after the break. Bentley sidestepped Castelen before sending Bellamy clear on goal but the Welsh international's first time shot was superbly tipped aside by Schwarzer. Just on the stroke of the hour, Blackburn started to turn the screw on the Middlesbrough goal. Bentley passed the ball to Michael who sent a high ball towards the near post where Kuqi's firm header was brilliantly saved by Schwarzer. The home side were up against constant Rovers pressure but almost managed to snatch the lead halfway through the second period. Fabio Rochemback fed the ball through for Anderson and not only was his first effort stopped by Lee, his rebound shot was stopped by an even better stop by Lee. On the counter attack, Savage went bursting through the middle and played in Kuqi who shot first time just inches over the crossbar. On 71 minutes, Reid sent substitute David Thompson clean through on goal but he was the next player to be denied by a fired up Schwarzer. And that missed opportunity proved to be oh so costly as the home side took the lead just a minute later. Georgiev looked up and sent a beautiful crossfield pass through to Castelen who sent a low cross across the goal for a waiting Yakubu to tap home. Blackburn almost hit back immediately. Savage's freekick into the area was flicked on by Kuqi into the path of Thompson whose first time effort drifted well wide of the mark. Blackburn have been very unlucky sometimes this season and on 76 minutes, the bad luck continued. Downing gave the ball to Yakubu on the left flank who strolled with the ball before crossing for the far post only for the ball to drift high over Lee into the top corner of the net. Almost immediately, Kuqi went storming down the left and crossed into a crowded penalty area but Thompson's towering header was easily caught by Schwarzer. In stoppage time, Yakubu almost grabbed his hat-trick. Rochemback played the ball wide to Tony McMahon whose low cross was swept home into the far corner by Yakubu only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The referee blew for fulltime moments after as Middlesbrough won a very even match here this afternoon. The first half was a very quiet affair and really didnt capture people's attention. But the second half really came to life as Blackburn were dominating until Middlesbrough's quickfire double whammy broke Rovers' confidence. The final scoreline from the Riverside Stadium was MIDDLESBROUGH 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

Middlesbrough : Gordon 6 (Schwarzer 45, 9), McMahon 7, Queudrue 7, Southgate 7, Pogatetz 7, Castelen 8, Downing 8, Georgiev 8 (Graham 72, 6), Rochemback 7, Yakubu 8, Anderson 6 (Boateng 72, 7).

Goals : Yakubu (72, 76)

Blackburn : Lee 7, Neill 7, Gray 7, Nelsen 6, Svensson 8, Emerton 6 (Thompson 60, 6), Bentley 6 (Flitcroft 68, 7), Savage 8, Reid 6, Kuqi 7, Bellamy 7 (Jansen 68, 6).

Man of the Match : Mark Schwarzer - the experienced goalkeeper wasnt meant to be playing today until Gordon's injury and he more or less won the match for Middlesbrough as his outstanding saves prevented at least three Blackburn goals. Inspiring performance from the Australian!

Attendance : 35030
Referee : Phil Dowd