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Wednesday 8th November 2006

BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

LATE KEITA GOAL GIVES ROVERS DESERVED VICTORY
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 1

Well, the table is looking mighty pretty at the moment! Blackburn Rovers persisted and got a deserved three points late against Everton in the Premiership at Ewood Park tonight. A well taken finish from substitute Seydou Keita secured the victory after Tim Cahill’s goal midway through the second half had looked like snatching a point for the visitors. A rather fortunate goal from Morten Gamst Pedersen on 2 minutes gave the lead. This victory sends Blackburn up to 2nd just one point behind leaders Arsenal. To be honest, Blackburn were by far the better team on the night and should have won sooner rather than later. Faiz Khan made three changes from the defeat at Chelsea with Peter Enckleman, Steven Reid and Shefki Kuqi coming in to replace tired Brad Friedel, Seydou Keita and injured Craig Bellamy. Everton boss David Moyes made just the one change from the side that drew with Man City with James Beattie making way for Nuno Valente.

In freezing cold temperatures at Ewood Park, referee Howard Webb got the Premiership encounter underway. Blackburn were quick out of the traps as they took a 2nd minute lead, albeit fortunately. A headed clearance from Michael Gray found Reid and he played the ball to Pedersen who hit the ball too quickly for Kuqi in the area to control and the ball went flying past Nigel Martyn into the far corner. After 11 minutes, Blackburn were in their stride and almost scored a second goal. A high ball from Karl Svensson was flicked on by Kuqi into the path of Pedersen from 25 yards but his fierce effort was wayward and it flew well wide of the goal. Seven minutes later, Pedersen sent Kuqi away down the left wing and because the Finn had no options in the area, he pulled the ball back to Pedersen who ran onto it from 25 yards out but his shot was easily smothered by Martyn. Just before the halfhour, Rovers should have extended the lead. Reid went running at the Everton defence before playing Giuseppe Rossi clear on goal but Martyn was there again with his best save of the match, tipping it wide for the corner. Just before the interval, Blackburn were very unlucky not to add a second goal. Gray went running down the left wing and he crossed into the area where Andrea Gasbarroni;s towering header beat Martyn but it struck the crossbar and the ball was cleared to safety. The whistle for halftime went shortly after. Blackburn deservedly lead at the break after totally controlling the first half. They made the perfect start thanks to Pedersen’s strange goal and could and should have added to their lead but they were denied by both Martyn and the woodwork. The halftime score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 EVERTON 0.

As some snow came down onto the pitch during the break, the Premiership game restarted using an orange ball. Everton started the half much better than the first and almost had an opportunity to strike an equaliser. A nice one touch passage of play involving Kevin Kilbane, Phil Neville and Cahill sent Souleyman Youla clear on goal but he was denied by a superbly timed tackle from Karl Svensson. The away side drew confidence from that near opening and halfway through the second half, they snatched an unlikely equaliser. Matteo Ferrari played a great ball out to Leon Osman on the right flank and his cross into the six yard box was firm headed into the far corner by Cahill to send the away fans wild. Two minutes later, both sides had fantastic opportunities to take the lead. First, Gray went down the left and he crossed into the area where substitute Matt Jansen’s close range effort was blocked brilliantly by Martyn. And on the counter-attack, Kilbane sent substitute Blackburn old boy James Beattoe away on goal but his attempted chip was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Enckleman. On 78 minutes, Beattie tested Enckleman again with a fierce freekick which the Finnish keeper caught routinely. It was a while since Blackburn threatened the Everton goal and when they did next, they made that attack count. Juan Manuel Ortiz went storming down the right wing and he crossed to the back post where Gray flicked the ball back for substitute Keita to lash home on the volley – Keita seems to score only late on in the match but Khan wont be complaining too much! Blackburn had the chance to grab a much deserved third goal before the end. Freddy Guarin showed great awareness to send Keita clear on goal and the Mali international took the ball wide of Martyn only for the former England international to pull off yet another outstanding stop. The final whistle went one minute of stoppage time later. Blackburn had left it late but they were full value for the three points tonight. They made a great start, taking a rather fortunate lead and went on to dominate the first half but couldn’t add to their one goal. In the second half, Everton came more into the game and made Blackburn pay for their earlier missed opportunities by equalising midway through the second half. The game looked to be heading for a draw until substitute Keita struck late on to seal the three points for Rovers. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 1.

Blackburn : Enckleman 7, Ortiz 6, Gray 7, Nelsen 7, Svensson 7, Gasbarroni 6 (Keita 67, 7), Pedersen 8, Guarin 7, Reid 8, Kuqi 6 (Jansen 45, 7), Rossi 6 (Mokoena 59, 6).

Goals : Pedersen (2), Keita (81)

Booked : Ortiz & Gray

Everton : Martyn 7, Hibbert 7, Valente 7 (Kroldrup 76, 6), Yobo 7, Ferrari 7, Neville 7, Cahill 7, Arteta 6 (Silva 81, 6), Osman 7, Youla 6 (Beattie 66, 7), Kilbane 6.

Goals : Cahill (66)

Booked : Cahill & Osman

Man of the Match : Steven Reid – the central midfielder came in for the benched Keita and he didn’t disappoint his manager as he controlled the midfield battle against Cahill and Arteta. Had a hand in the very lucky opening goal.

Attendance : 31345
Referee : Howard Webb

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Sunday 19th November 2006

BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

SUPER KEITA BRACE SEND ROVERS TOP
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 ASTON VILLA 1

Pinch me and say this is really happening! Blackburn Rovers put on another confident performance in defeating Aston Villa in the Premiership at Ewood Park this afternoon. Two stunning strikes from Seydou Keita in each half helped Blackburn to the top of the Premiership table. Luke Moore had scrambled an equaliser before halftime but Rovers were not to be denied. In truth, Blackburn had three times as many shots and also shaded possession over their opponents. Faiz Khan made just one change from the win over Everton with Keita replacing Steven Reid. Villa boss David O’Leary made two alterations to the side that beat Portsmouth with Stephen Warnock and Lee Hendrie making way for Fitz Hall and Rasmus Wurtz.

On a very cold and dry Sunday afternoon in Blackburn, referee Graham Poll got this Premiership match underway. Blackburn made a bright start and could have had the lead after 10 minutes. Hall was penalised for pushing Shefki Kuqi in the back and Keita stepped up from 30 yards out but his curling effort was superbly caught in mid-air by Stuart Taylor. Halfway through the first half, Villa had their first great opportunity to take the lead. Wilfred Bouma sent Juan Pablo Angel down the left wing and he crossed towards the far post where Moore’s towering header went just inches wide of the goal. Three minutes later, Blackburn took the lead. Michael Gray’s ball into the area was nodded back by Kuqi into the path of Keita who struck the ball first time past Taylor into the top corner. But Villa were not feeling sorry for themselves as they levelled the match on 38 minutes. Andrea Gasbarroni was caught dallying on the ball by Bouma and the Dutchman went speeding towards the penalty area before sending a low cross across the area where Moore smashed it first time into the bottom corner. Just before halftime, Villa almost added a second goal. Hall came running at Ryan Nelsen before crossing into the area where Angel’s firm header was tipped over brilliantly by Peter Enckleman. The halftime whistle went moments later. This match at Ewood Park is finely poised at one goal apiece. Blackburn started very well and took the lead midway through the first half but Villa hit back with an equaliser minutes before the break and could have taken the lead. The halftime score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 ASTON VILLA 1.

The second half got up and running at a very noisy Ewood Park. Villa started very brightly and almost took the lead immediately. A great one touch passing move involving Bouma, Gareth Barry and Wurtz teed up Angel from 20 yards out but his effort was too high and wide. Just before the hour, Blackburn missed a fantastic opportunity to take the lead. Morten Gamst Pedersen went down the left flank and cut inside to cross low to the far post where Gasbarroni put the ball wide from 6 yards out. But Blackburn didn’t have to wait much longer as they took the lead on 64 minutes. Olof Mellberg was penalised for a blatent handball and Keita punished him fully with a stunning freekick from 25 yards out into the far corner – his 5th goal of the season and plenty more like that to come I’m sure! That happened to be the last piece of action of the match as the game then petered out with Blackburn always having that control with their passing and tackles. The referee was also helping them out a little bit. The final whistle went three minutes of stoppage time later. Blackburn have just about done enough to claim the three points. They started the match on the front foot and took the lead halfway through the half but Aston Villa came back into the game and equalised before the break. In the second half, it was clear that it only a matter of time before Rovers turned the screw on the Villa defence and Keita found the answer midway through the second half to secure the three points. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 ASTON VILLA 1.

Blackburn : Enckleman 6, Ortiz 6, Gray 7, Nelsen 7, Svensson 7, Gasbarroni 6, Pedersen 7, Guarin 7 (Savage 72, 6), Keita 8, Kuqi 8 (Reid 72, 7), Rossi 7 (Jansen 63, 6).

Goals : Keita (26, 64)

Aston Villa : Taylor 6, Breinburg 7, Bouma 8, Mellberg 5 (Baros 84, 6), Hall 7, Kennedy 6 (Samuel 76, 7), McCann 7, Barry 7, Wurtz 7, Moore 7 (Brown 62, 7), Angel 7.

Goals : Moore (38)

Man of the Match : Wilfred Bouma – the strong centre-back was composed on the ball and brutal in the air. His great attacking abilities led to him setting up the equaliser in the first half.

Attendance : 31337
Referee : Graham Poll

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Monday 20th November 2006

KUQI SELECTED ONCE AGAIN

Following his great set-up play in the victory against Aston Villa yesterday, Shefki Kuqi has been selected in the Premiership Team of the Week. This is the team as follows:

Dean Kiely (Charlton)

Sito (Ipswich)
Tomas Ujfalusi (Charlton)
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
Emannuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough)

Romeo Castelen (Middlesbrough)
John Viafara (Portsmouth)
Fabio Rochemback (Middlesbrough)
Matthew Etherington (Man City)

Darius Vassell (Man City)
Shefki Kuqi (Blackburn)

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Saturday 25th November 2006

BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

POMPEY SHOCK 10-MAN ROVERS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 PORTSMOUTH 1

Well, we didn’t see that one coming! Portsmouth showed great capability in defeating Blackburn Rovers in the Premiership at Ewood Park this afternoon. The only goal came from Republic of Congo international Lomana LuaLua on 77 minutes. Rovers had been reduced to 10 men just minutes earlier as Lucas Neill was dismissed for two yellow cards. To be honest, Portsmouth just had a bit more about them over a weary looking Blackburn side. Faiz Khan made two changes to the side that beat Aston Villa by bringing back Neill and Robbie Savage in for Juan Manuel Ortiz and Freddy Guarin. Pompey boss Alain Perrin made no changes from the home victory over Wolves.

On a dry but freezing cold Saturday afternoon in Lancashire, referee Howard Webb got the Premiership match underway. The match started very quietly to begin with but Blackburn were soon in their stride and almost took the lead on 18 minutes. A great passage of play involving Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Michael Gray ended with Gray crossing into the area where an unmarked Shefki Kuqi header easily beat Sander Westerveld but not the post. Portsmouth took a while to get going and should have taken the lead on 30 minutes. Andreas Schicker played a nice one-two with Dejan Stefanovic before crossing towards the near post where LuaLua could only head into the sidenetting. Just six minutes later, Pompey began to exert some pressure on goalkeeper Peter Enckleman. A nice one touch passing move involving Alexandre Bonnet, John Viafara and Pedro Mendes teed up Collins Mbesuma from 20 yards out but his firm effort was well beaten away by Enckleman. A minute later, LuaLua went on a run at the Rovers backline before playing in Mbesuma and his first time effort flew just inches wide of the goal. Four minutes of stoppage time later, the whistle went for halftime. The match at Ewood Park has been very quiet to be honest. Blackburn started very brightly, desperately unlucky when hitting the post but Portsmouth have controlled the majority of this first half and really should be infront. The halftime score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 PORTSMOUTH 0.

The second half began as both sets of supporters were hoping the second period would be better than the first half. Rovers started very well as they almost took the lead inside just three minutes. Neill stole the ball from Viafara and sent Kuqi clear on goal and he tucked the ball underneath Westerveld’s body into the net but the linesman had his flag up for offside. Minutes later, Kuqi crossed the ball into the area and when the ball was allowed to fall to Pedersen just outside the area, the Norway international’s fierce shot went just inches over the crossbar. On the hour, Blackburn were starting to put real pressure on the Pompey goal. Kuqi and Savage combined superbly to tee up Andrea Gasbarroni from 30 yards out but his deflected shot was easily smothered by Westerveld. A couple of minutes later, Blackburn should have taken the lead. Savage sent a wonderful freekick into the area where Pedersen shot his opportunity straight at Westerveld and the ball was cleared to safety. A minute later, Pompey came into the match and missed a fantastic opportunity. LuaLua picked the ball inside his own half and went storming through on goal inspiringly but his fierce effort was superbly beaten away by Enckleman. Blackburn had dominated the second period but they were soon fighting for their lives on 73 minutes. Having been already booked earlier in the second half, Neill stuck his hand out to stop a through ball for LuaLua going through. The referee had no other option but to send the Australian international off. And four minutes, Pompey took full advantage of their extra man by taking the lead. On the counter-attack, Westerveld’s long punt upfield sent LuaLua clean through on goal and he waited before lifting the ball delicately over Enckleman into the far corner. Four minutes remained as Blackburn were denied a certain goal. Nelsen and Karl Svensson combined to send Pedersen clear on goal but his low effort was beaten away superbly by Westerveld. Moments later, the fulltime whistle sounded to a very quiet Ewood Park. Blackburn’s reign at the top lasted just one game as they were beaten by relegation candidates. Rovers had started brightly but Pompey had the better of the first half. After the break, Blackburn began to show exactly why they were leading the Premiership as constant pressure almost resulted in a goal. But when Neill was sent off, Pompey took full advantage thanks to LuaLua subtle finish. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 PORTSMOUTH 1.

Blackburn : Enckleman 5, Neill 5, Gray 5, Nelsen 5, Svensson 5, Gasbarroni 6 (Reid 63, 5), Pedersen 6, Savage 6, Keita 6 (Guarin 71, 6), Kuqi 5, Rossi 6 (Jansen 63, 6).

Booked : Neill

Sent Off : Neill (73)

Portsmouth : Westerveld 8, Dahl 8, Schicker 8, Kleine 8, Stefanovic 7, Job 7, Bonnet 7 (Diao 73, 7), Viafara 7, Mendes 8, LuaLua 8 (Ogbeche 84, 7), Mbesuma 7 (Primus 45, 7).

Goals : LuaLua (77)

Booked : Dahl, Schicker, Stefanovic, Viafara, LuaLua & Mbesuma

Man of the Match : Sander Westerveld – the Dutch goalkeeper put in an inspiring performance in goal for his side this afternoon as his excellent saves helped Pompey to a much needed three points.

Attendance : 26105
Referee : Howard Webb

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Wednesday 29th November 2006

CARLING CUP 4TH ROUND

10-MAN ROVERS TOO STRONG FOR PLYMOUTH
BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 0

That was far from easy wasn’t it? Blackburn Rovers made heavy weather of it but they eventually came through against Plymouth in the Carling Cup 4th Round at Ewood Park tonight. Rovers were reduced to 10 men early on after Aaron Mokeona’s controversial red card. Blackburn didn’t let that affect them however as second half goals from Paul Gallagher (x2) and captain for the night Steven Reid sealed their passage into the quarter finals next month. Faiz Khan named a very young side with a couple of old heads including Gallagher, James McEveley and Karl Svensson while Plymouth gaffer named an unchanged team that beat Millwall at the weekend.

On a very cold evening in Blackburn, referee Lee Mason got this Carling Cup tie up and running. Blackburn were on the front foot straight from the off as they should have taken the lead. Denilson showed some great vision to send Gallagher clear on goal and not only did Romain Larrieu stop the Scot’s first effort, the second effort was kept out too by Larrieu. On 7 minutes, Reid played a nice one-two with Matt Jansen before unleashing a fearsome effort which flashed just centimetres wide of the goal. Blackburn kept the pressure coming on 19 minutes. Alan Burgess was booked for a tug on Freddy Guarin and Denilson stepped from 25 yards out only for Larrieu to catch the freekick in mid-air. On the counter-attack, Rovers were harshly reduced to 10 men. A long kick upfield from Larrieu was chased by Paul Wotton and Mokoena and the latter had a little tug on Wotton’s shirt and booted the ball away. The referee soon caught up with the ball and immediately brandished the red card. And Plymouth almost took advantage on 27 minutes. Rufus Brevett sent Burgess down the left flank and he played in Nick Chadwick but his low cross was superbly diverted away by Richard Lee. Just after the halfhour, Blackburn almost took the lead. A poor pass back to Larrieu from Burgess was intercepted by Gallagher but his fierce low effort was tipped away superbly by Laarieu. Five minutes before halftime, Plymouth almost had the lead. Chris Zebroski sent a high ball into the area where Liam Ridgewell’s towering header was tipped over the crossbar brilliantly by Lee. The halftime whistle went two minutes of injury time later. The game is evenly poised in score but Plymouth have the man advantage after Mokoena’s dismissal. Rovers had started brightly and could have scored before they were reduced to 10 men. After that, Plymouth began to make their way into the match and could have been ahead at the break. Instead, the halftime score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 0.

The second half got going at Ewood Park where another low attendance gathered. Early in the second period, Blackburn took a fighting lead. Lee’s scrambled clearance sent Denilson away on the left wing and the Brazilian international twisted and turned a couple of defenders before crossing for Gallagher to slide the ball into the far corner. Plymouth should have equalised almost immediately. Substitute Ryan Nelsen was caught dallying on the ball by substitute Bjarni Gudjonsson but his effort was way wide of the goal. Just before the hour, Blackburn missed a fantastic opportunity to extend the lead. On the counter-attack, Brett Emerton sent Gallagher galloping away on goal but he shot into the sidenetting from a very difficult angle. A couple of minutes later, Gallagher held the ball up very nicely and teed up Guarin from 25 yards out but the firm effort went just inches wide of the goal. On 73 minutes, Blackburn made their recent pressure matter by scoring a second goal. Guarin gave the ball to Emerton who played a perfectly timed pass through for Gallagher and the young Scot showed great composure by sliding the ball underneath the body of Larrieu. And five minutes later, Rovers set the seal on the victory. Svensson sent McEveley away on the left wing and he crossed towards the far post where Larrieu missed his punch and Reid was on hand to nod in at the back post. The third goal was the last action of the match as the final whistle went after three minutes of stoppage time. Blackburn had made their difficult passage into the Carling Cup quarter-finals. They started very brightly but were soon up against it as they were reduced to 10 men. Plymouth should have taken the lead as they controlled the remainder of the first half. After the break, Blackburn hit the ground running as they took an early lead on. Then late in the half, Gallagher grabbed his second followed by a captain’s goal from Reid and the night was complete. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 0.

Blackburn : Lee 7 (Enckleman 66, 7), Ortiz 7, McEveley 7, Svensson 7, Mokoena 6, Emerton 8, Denilson 8 (Gasbarroni 60, 7), Guarin 8, Reid 8, Gallagher 9, Jansen 6 (Nelsen 21, 8).

Goals : Gallagher (49, 73), Reid (78)

Booked : Jansen

Sent Off : Mokoena (20)

Plymouth : Larrieu 6, Connolly 6 (Mendes 49, 6), Brevett 6 (Gudjonsson 50, 6), Buxton 6, Ridgewell 6, Norris 6, Burgess 6, Wotton 7, Buzsaky 7, Chadwick 6, Zebroski 6 (Capaldi 45, 7).

Booked : Brevett, Norris, Burgess & Chadwick

Man of the Match : Paul Gallagher – the enthusiastic striker was fantastic on his own upfront when Mokoena went off. His first goal was all important and his finish for the second goal was exemplary. The young Scot played like a veteran tonight.

Attendance : 10208
Referee : Lee Mason

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as one of the great supporters of the not so small blackburn rovers, i really liked reading the story of yours!!! i have myself brought unparralell glory to ewood park and count myself one of their favoured personnel!! do you go on rovers messageboard?

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Thursday 30th November 2006 - Premiership Table


1st - Arsenal - 30 pts
2nd - Middlesbrough - 29
3rd - Man Utd - 29
4th - Blackburn - 28
5th - Liverpool - 28
6th - Chelsea - 28
7th - Everton - 26
8th - Man City - 23
9th - Bolton - 23
10th - Tottenham - 22
11th - Charlton - 20
12th - Aston Villa - 20
13th - Wolves - 17
14th - Portsmouth - 17
15th - Fulham - 16
16th - Ipswich - 15
17th - Birmingham - 15
18th - Crystal Palace - 11
19th - Newcastle - 10
20th - Wigan - 5

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Friday 1st December 2006

MONTHLY AWARDS FOR NOVEMBER

The Barclays Premiership Player of the Month was Middlesbrough's Austrian full-back Emanuel Pogatetz as his solid displays at the back has helped his side up to 2nd place in the Premiership table. His top notch displays included one assist for a team-mate.

The Barclays Premiership Young Player of the Month was Manchester United's flamboyant midfielder John Obi Mikel as his skillful performances have helped his side to finally mount a defence of their Premiership crown. He has also scored and set up one goal last month.

The Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month was Tottenham's Martin Jol as he guided his players to three victories in their four Premiership matches last month. This unbeaten run as seen them go from relegation trouble to mid table safety.

The Barclays Premiership Goal of the Month was John Obi Mikel's screamer against arch rivals Liverpool. He picked the ball up from Scholes and unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner. That goal saved United from a damaging home defeat.

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Sunday 3rd December 2006

BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

DOMINANT NEWCASTLE DISPATCH ROVERS
NEWCASTLE UNITED 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1

Oh no, it’s happened again! Newcastle United showed their battling qualities in beating Blackburn Rovers in the Premiership at St James Park this afternoon. Giuseppe Rossi gave Blackburn the lead after 8 minutes but two quickfire goals from Michael Owen before halftime turned the match upside down. Substitute Shola Ameobi sealed the three points deep into the second half. It was a great attacking display from the home side as Blackburn lose two games in a row for the first time this season. Faiz Khan made two changes from the shock home defeat by Portsmouth with Juan Manuel Ortiz and Freddy Guarin coming in to replace to suspended Lucas Neill and Robbie Savage. Magpies boss Kevin Keegan also made two alterations from the team that lost at Aston Villa with Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker making way for James Milner and Charles N’Zogbia.

On a dry but very cold Sunday afternoon in the North East, referee Mike Dean got this Premiership encounter underway. Newcastle almost went ahead after three minutes. Martin Crainie sent the ball down the line for Albert Luque and he crossed towards the near post where Owen’s close range header was cleared off the line by Michael Gray. Blackburn made their first opportunity on 8 minutes and took it. A Peter Enckleman goal kick was flicked on by Shefki Kuqi into the path of Seydou Keita through on goal but instead of shooting, he squared for Rossi to tap home from 12 yards – his 5th goal of the season. Newcastle should have equalised on 18 minutes. Luque came forward and clipped the ball into the area where Owen knocked the ball down for Stein Huysegems but he skied his firm effort well over the crossbar. But after 35 minutes, Newcastle did take their opportunity. Luque swung a corner from the right and although Enckleman stopped Owen’s fierce header, the England international stabbed home the rebound. And four minutes later, Owen repeated the trick. A fine one touch passing move involving N’Zogbia, Alexei Smertin and Milner ended with the latter putting Owen through on goal and he showed his usual composure by slipping the ball under Enckleman – his 10th goal of the season. In first half stoppage time, Blackburn almost levelled the match. Morten Gamst Pedersen and Rossi combined superbly to tee up Kuqi from 20 yards out but his firm shot wasn’t troubling Steve Harper as it went miles wide of the goal. The halftime whistle went moments later. Newcastle lead narrowly at the break thanks to Owen’s quick brace. Both sides were bright from the off but Blackburn took their first opportunity early on. But the home side were always threatening to score and did so twice in five minutes before halftime. The halftime score from St James Park was NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

The second half was underway as Blackburn players looked more focused to get a result here. And they should have equalised on 55 minutes. Robbie Elliott was caught on the ball by Guarin and he squared for Rossi but his effort was blocked by Harper and the Italian shot the rebound well over the crossbar. Just after the hour, Elliott threw the ball to Luque who played a nice one-two with Huysegems before lashing the ball just inches over the crossbar from the edge of the area. A minute later, Blackburn almost scored a freak equaliser. Substitute Steven Reid sent Rossi away down the right and the little Italian cut inside before crossing into the area but the cross curled right over Harper and crashed off the crossbar and to safety. Newcastle had certainly gotten away with that and they made the victory safe on 76 minutes. On the counter-attack, Ameobi played a slick one-two with Owen and he rounded Enckleman before sliding the ball into the far corner. Five minutes later, Newcastle almost added a fourth goal. Matthew Upson played the ball up to Ameobi who teed up substitute Bosko Balaban for a first time shot from 25 yards out but it went yards wide of the far post. Blackburn had one more opportunity in injury time. Guarin sent substitute Matt Jansen clear on the left wing and he sent a low cross for Rossi but Harper denied him again with a smart block. The final whistle went straight after that. Newcastle have sealed the three points after a hard fought encounter in the North East. The first half started with Blackburn taking an early lead but Newcastle hit back, dominating the first half and were rewarded with two quick Owen goals. After the interval, both sides were trading great opportunities but Newcastle were more clinical in front of goal with Ameobi sealing the victory late on. The final score from St James Park was NEWCASTLE UNITED 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Newcastle : Harper 8, Taylor 8, Cranie 8, Upson 8, Elliott 7, Milner 7 (Balaban 76, 7), Luque 8, Smertin 8, N’Zogbia 7 (Dyer 71, 7), Owen 9, Huysegems 8 (Ameobi 71, 7).

Goals : Owen (35, 39), Ameobi (76)

Blackburn : Enckleman 6, Ortiz 6 (Neill 72, 6), Gray 7, Nelsen 6, Svensson 7, Gasbarroni 6, Pedersen 6 (Reid 62, 7), Guarin 6, Keita 7, Kuqi 6 (Jansen 62, 6), Rossi 8.

Goals : Rossi (8)

Booked : Ortiz, Gray, Nelsen & Keita

Man of the Match : Michael Owen – there is speculation about him leaving the club but he showed that he was a professional after all with two customary finishes. Newcastle cannot afford to let him at the moment!

Attendance : 50382
Referee : Mike Dean

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Saturday 9th December 2006

BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

PEDERSEN GRABS LATE POINT FOR ROVERS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1

Better late than never eh? Blackburn Rovers showed their fighting instincts as they drew with Tottenham in the Premiership at Ewood Park this afternoon. Morten Gamst Pedersen scored a very cool equaliser just three minutes from time to deny Spurs victory. The visitors had already taken the lead early on with Jermain Defoe scoring on the break. It was a fairly even match with both sides creating good opportunities but Blackburn had the edge in possession of the ball. Faiz Khan made just one change from the side that lost at Newcastle with Lucas Neill returning from suspension to replace Juan Manuel Ortiz. Martin Jol made three alterations from the team that defeated Wigan with Hatem Trabelsi, Julien Escude and Andy Reid coming in for Stephen Kelly, Johnnie Jackson and Sean Davis.

On a very windy and cold afternoon at Ewood Park, referee Dermot Gallagher got the Premiership match up and running. Tottenham were quickly in their stride and almost had the lead inside 60 seconds. Robbie Keane and Ledley King exchanged passes before the latter teed up Mauro Esposito from 25 yards out but his effort swerved just inches wide of the crossbar. After 13 minutes, Michael Carrick tested Peter Enckleman from 30 yards but the keeper easily smothered the freekick. A minute later, Blackburn almost took the lead. A wonderful one touch passage of play involving Pedersen, Shefki Kuqi and Giuseppe Rossi teed up Seydou Keita from 30 yards out and his first time shot was superbly beaten away by Paul Robinson. Spurs took a deserved lead on 15 minutes. On the counter-attack, Andy Reid strode forward and played a wonderful pass inside the Rovers defence for Defoe through on goal and he slipped the ball underneath Enckleman into the net. Straight from the restart, Spurs almost added a second goal. Keane played a nice one-two with Tom Huddlestone before teeing up Esposito from 20 yards but his firm effort was again just past the post. On 27 minutes, Blackburn almost snatched an equaliser. Andrea Gasbarroni stepped up from 30 yards out but his direct freekick was just kept out by Robinson’s fingertips. For the rest of the first half, both sides traded crunching sliding tackles and denied each other any space to create any more clear opportunities. The halftime whistle went after two minutes of stoppage time. Tottenham have the lead and they thoroughly deserve. They made the brighter start to the match and took the lead after 15 minutes. For the remainder of the half, both sides have come close to adding to the score but it wasn’t to be. The halftime score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1.

Both sides were creating a great atmosphere inside Ewood Park as the second half got going. The visitors almost scored a second goal inside just three minutes. Reid stepped from 25 yards out but his fierce freekick was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Enckleman. On 53 minutes, substitute Robbie Savage played the ball to Keita who ran at Ledley King before unleashing a thunderous low drive that flashed just inches wide of the goal. Minutes later, Esposito went close for Spurs, sending his 20 yard freekick just inches wide of the far post. After the hour, Blackburn should have equalised. A corner was cleared out to Karl Svensson and he crossed into the area where an unmarked Keita struck the ball straight at Robinson and the ball was cleared to safety. Midway through the second half, Spurs were almost two goals to the good. King played a great crossfield pass to Reid and he crossed low for Defoe and he took one touch before firing the ball merely centimetres wide of the far post. With just seven minutes remaining, Blackburn should have levelled the scores. Neill ran at the visitors’ defence and played the ball into the area where an unmarked Pedersen blasted the effort well over the crossbar. But five minutes later, Pedersen made no mistake. When his charged down shot came out to Svensson, the Swede played the ball into the area and Pedersen this time showed great composure, sliding the ball low past a stranded Robinson into the far corner. The goal proved the last action of the match as the final whistle went after three minutes of stoppage time. Blackburn battled to a hard fought point here. Tottenham started very brightly and deserved their early lead through Defoe’s cool finish and they dominated the rest of the half. After the break, Rovers came back into the match and would have lost the game because of Robinson’s heroics before Pedersen saved Khan’s men from their third consecutive defeat. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1.

Blackburn : Enckleman 7, Neill 6, Gray 6, Nelsen 7, Svensson 7, Gasbarroni 6 (Savage 45, 7), Pedersen 7, Guarin 5 (Denilson 67, 6), Keita 7, Kuqi 6 (Jansen 58, 7), Rossi 6.

Goals : Pedersen (87)

Tottenham : Robinson 7, Trabelsi 7, Gardner 7 (Kelly 81, 6), Huddlestone 7 (Davis 61, 7), Escude 7, King 7, Carrick 7, Esposito 6 (Wichniarek 74, 6), Reid 7, Defoe 8, Keane 7.

Goals : Defoe (15)

Man of the Match : Jermain Defoe – the explosive striker was troublesome all afternoon for the Blackburn defenders and took his goal very well. Had other chances to score but couldn’t take them. Really enjoying his season at the moment!

Attendance : 29520
Referee : Dermot Gallagher