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Monday 26th December 2005

CHARLTON LAND KNOCKOUT BLOW ON ROVERS
CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1

They were battered and on Boxing Day. At the Valley this afternoon, Charlton Athletic grabbed a well deserved victory against high-flyers Blackburn Rovers. Two goals in three first half minutes from Danny Murphy and Darren Ambrose were enough to earn the three points. Craig Bellamy got a consolation in the second half but the home side deserved their win. The home side really dominated this match against a Blackburn side clearly missing the influence of the injured Robbie Savage. Faiz Khan made just the one change from the draw against Middlesbrough with Savage being replaced by Garry Flitcroft while Alan Curbishley didnt change his side from the draw against West Brom at the Hawthorns.

On a very cold and snowy afternoon after Christmas, Referee Mike Dean got the proceedings underway to the loud festive crowd. Blackburn made a bright start with Karl Svensson's deep cross headed just inches by Shefki Kuqi. Ten minutes later, Charlton put together their first move. Radostin Kishishev and Alexei Smertin combined to tee up Murphy from 30 yards but his low effort was easily smothered by Richard Lee in the Rovers goal. And a minute later, Ambrose unleashed a thunderous first time effort from 30 yards only to see Lee pull off a stunning stop and Svensson stole in to clear the ball to safety. Halfway through the first half, Charlton started to take control of this match and really should have grabbed the lead. Hermann Hreidarsson played a wonderful ball down the left channel for Jerome Thomas to race onto and his super pull back was fired well wide by Murphy with the goal gaping. Another chance fell for the home side before the half hour when Smertin put Darren Bent clear on goal but Lee was there again to pull off a fantastic save diverting the ball wide. But Charlton finally made their dominance evident with two quickfire goals. Firstly, Thomas sped down the left and when his teasing cross was punched away by Lee, Murphy came racing on to the loose ball and fired the ball into the top corner giving the keeper no chance at all. And after that, a slick counter attack from Charlton ended with Bent putting Ambrose clean through on goal and the England U21 international made no mistake firing the ball in at Lee's near post. Ambrose almost scored a third goal almost immediately but his long range effort went just inches wide of the goal. Rovers were finally sprung into action and they went close on 37 minutes when Morten Gamst Pedersen's freekick was tipped over by Charlton keeper Dean Kiely. Five minutes before halftime, Smertin set up Bent from 25 yards out but his fierce shot was always curling wide of Lee's right hand post. The referee blew for halftime moments later and it was a good time for Blackburn to hear that whistle. The half was clearly dominated by Charlton and their two quick fire goals doesnt really the full story of the half because if it wasnt for Lee in the Blackburn goal, the goal difference would have been far greater. The scoreline at halftime from the Valley was CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

Faiz Khan was clearly not happy with his side's display as his players came out looking like they had just seen a ghost. Anyway the second half was up and running and Rovers hit back with a goal almost immediately. Michael Gray's long ball over the top caught the Charlton backline sleeping and Bellamy raced onto the ball and struck it hard and true right through Kiely into the roof of the net - a great time to score a goal, right after halftime. It was set to be an entirely different game to what was seen in the first half. But Charlton didnt agree with that and should have regained their two goal cushion on the hour. Thomas went down the left flank twisting and turning Lucas Neill and his inch perfect cross was headed straight at Lee by Murphy and the chance was gone. The game then started getting a bit niggly and the referee was busy dishing yellow cards for anyone that moved. With just 10 minutes remaining, Neill fed the ball to David Thompson who unleashed a first time shot from 35 yards out but it was comfortably caught by Kiely. The home side then made sure of the victory by passing the ball around and taking the time on their set-pieces and three minutes of stoppage time later, referee Mike Dean brought an entertaining game to an end. Charlton had a great first half going in at the break two up but in the second half, Blackburn began to put some pressure getting a goal but the damage had already been done in the first half. On a snowy Boxing Day after in South London, the match finished CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Charlton : Kiely 7, Young 7, Hreidarsson 7, Sorondo 5 (El Karkouri 82, 6), Fortune 7, Smertin 7, Kishishev 8, Ambrose 8, Thomas 8 (Hughes 74, 7), Murphy 8, Bent 7 (Euell 74, 7).

Goals : Murphy (30), Ambrose (33)

Booked : Young, Hreidarsson, Sorondo, Fortune, Kishishev & Murphy

Blackburn : Lee 6, Neill 7, Gray 8, Nelsen 6, Svensson 7, Bentley 6 (Emerton 62, 6), Pedersen 6, Flitcroft 7, Thompson 7, Kuqi 5 (Dickov 62, 6), Bellamy 7.

Goals : Bellamy (48)

Booked : Gray & Thompson

Man of the Match : Jerome Thomas - the flying winger was literally flying this afternoon as he constantly went past players as if they werent there. Capped performance off by laying on first goal for his team.

Attendance : 25812
Referee : Mike Dean

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Wednesday 28th December 2005

LATE JANSEN GOAL SNATCHES VICTORY FOR ROVERS
BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2

Isnt it nice to win matches you have no right to because it happened tonight. Faiz Khan saw his side snatch three undeserved points at St Andrews tonight. Matt Jansen grabbed the winning goal just three minutes after Emile Heskey cancelled out Paul Dickov opener. It was a hard result to take for the home side as they had dominated for long spells of this match but they were left with nothing but sympathy from the neutrals. Faiz Khan made five changes from the side that were beaten by Charlton just two days ago with Vratislav Gresko, Aaron Mokoena, Brett Emerton, Paul Dickov and Matt Jansen coming in for Michael Gray, Karl Svensson, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Shefki Kuqi and Craig Bellamy. Birmingham boss Steve Bruce made just the one alteration from the defeat by Middlesbrough on Boxing Day with Njazi Kuqi replacing Mikael Forsell up front.

The match was started by referee Alan Wiley on a cold Birmingham evening with rain very likely to show up during the match. It didnt take long for the first chance to come in the sixth minute and it fell to the home side. Jermaine Pennant and Nasredine Kraouche combined to send Heskey through on goal but he shot into the arms of Richard Lee and the chance was gone. After 13 minutes, Jamie Clapham went down the left wing, cut inside and teed up Stephen Clemence from 25 yards but his shot was easily smothered by Lee. It took until the 18th minute for Blackburn to hit their stride and it was worth the wait when it resulted in them breaking the deadlock. A long headed clearence from Ryan Nelsen sent Jansen through on goal and the Englishman showed great awareness by squaring the ball for Dickov to tap home. A great goal for Rovers but their were probably still celebrating as Birmingham hit back almost immediately. Mario Melchiot high ball was flicked on Kraouche into the path of Kuqi and even when his shot was blocked by Lee, Heskey came in to fire home the rebound. Just after the goal, the home defence lost their concentration letting Emerton storm into the area without any challenge but his shot was stopped superbly by Niko Vaesen, to the relief of his team-mates and Steve Bruce on the bench. Just before the half hour, Rovers started putting pressure on the goal when Jansen sent Dickov clear but the Scot badly miscued his effort and it went high and wide. A fantastic double one-two involving Emerton and Neill ended with the latter storming into the area but his cross-cum-shot fired right across goal with at least two players stretching and failing to get the vital connection. Moments later, the half was brought to an end as the referee blew his whistle. Birmingham started very brightly but it was the away side that took the lead. The home side hit back straight away and were under severe pressure from Blackburn towards the end of the half. From St Andrews, the score at halftime was BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Both sets of supporters were still getting into their seats again when the second half got underway. Birmingham made a bright opening to the half and they were almost rewarded with a gift from their opponents. Super one touch passing ended with substitute Jiri Jarosik sending in a cross which Mokoena almost headed past his own keeper but Lee was superb once again, tipping the header wide - it seems he can even stop certain own goals. Five minutes later, Pennant sent in a corner from the right and it should have ended in a goal but unmarked Calum Davenport's header went inches over the crossbar. Just before the hour, the home side were starting to take control of the half and should have been infront. Pennant sent in another corner towards the goal but Kraouche's header was denied by superb point-blank reflexes from Lee. From the resultant corner, Matthew Upson was the next person to be denied by Lee's heroics as his header was tipped over the bar for another corner, which came to nothing. With twenty minutes to go, it seemed that Rovers were pinned back inside their own half when old boy David Dunn's long range shot was pushed away by Lee and the loose ball was cleared away. Minutes later, Lee denied Birmingham once again, this time palming away a fierce Heskey header heading for goal at his near post. You just thought those missed opportunities would come back to haunt the home side and it nearly did. Upson was being chased by substitute Shefki Kuqi and his weak header back to the keeper was pounced on by Kuqi but his shot was deflected just inches wide by Vaesen and Brum were off the hook. But not much longer as Rovers snatched the victory with just three minutes remaining. Neill's throw in was returned to him by Thompson and he sent a cross to the back post where Jansen produced a delicate flick that left Vaesen standing as it went into the roof of the net - that was Jansen's 5th goal of the season and most important goal to date. He had a great chance in stoppage time to secure the victory but he shot well over the bar to his disappointment. But there was soon joy as referee Alan Wiley blew for fulltime at an utterly dejected St Andrews. Birmingham had dominated pretty much from start to finish but couldnt find a winning goal and were made to pay as Blackburn did find the winning goal and will go home happy knowing they have got out of jail tonight. The scoreline from St Andrews as rain was streaming down was BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.

Birmingham : Vaesen 6, Melchiot 6, Clapham 6, Davenport 7 (Tebily 69, 6), Upson 7, Pennant 6, Gray 6, Kraouche 7, Clemence 7 (Jarosik 45, 7), Heskey 7, Kuqi 7 (Dunn 62, 6).

Goals : Heskey (23)

Blackburn : Lee 8, Neill 8, Gresko 7, Nelsen 8, Mokoena 8, Emerton 8 (Gray 66, 6), Bentley 6 (Pedersen 45, 7), Flitcroft 7, Thompson 7, Dickov 7 (Kuqi 37, 7), Jansen 9.

Goals : Dickov (18), Jansen (87)

Booked : Thompson

Injured : Dickov (37)

Man of the Match : Matt Jansen - whenever Blackburn broke, the Englishman was a constant to the home defence with his clever runs. Set up Dickov for opening goal and then scored the winner himself - a complete performance.

Attendance : 28692
Referee : Alan Wiley

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Wednesday 28th December 2005

DICKOV RULED OUT FOR SHORT SPELL

Following the injury that forced him off in the victory against Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers striker Paul Dickov has been ruled out for up to three weeks.

As he was chasing a long ball he pulled his hamstring and was in total agony. This will be a big blow for Faiz Khan as he scored in the game and must have been thinking he was going to hit a purple patch like earlier on this season.

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Saturday 31st December 2005 - Premiership Table


1st - Man Utd - 43 pts
2nd - Liverpool - 41
3rd - Chelsea - 40
4th - Arsenal - 35
5th - Everton - 30
6th - Tottenham - 30
7th - Blackburn - 28
8th - Middlesbrough - 27
9th - Fulham - 26
10th - Portsmouth - 26
11th - Man City - 24
12th - Aston Villa - 24
13th - Charlton - 23
14th - Newcastle - 22
15th - Wigan - 19
16th - Sunderland - 16
17th - Bolton - 15
18th - Birmingham - 15
19th - West Brom - 14
20th - West Ham - 9

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Sunday 1st January 2006

MONTHLY AWARDS FOR DECEMBER

The Barclays Premiership Player of the Month was Liverpool's centre-back Jamie Carragher as his solid and determined performances at the back has helped his side climb to 2nd place in the Premiership table.

The Barclays Premiership Young Player of the Month was Charlton's striker Darren Bent as he scored three times to help his side to a steady mid-table position. Also made a goal for a team-mate.

The Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month was Chelsea's Jose Mourinho as he guided his team to an 5 match unbeaten month including four wins. This form has seen his side climb to 3rd place in the Premiership table.

The Barclays Premiership Goal of the Month was Djibril Cisse's superb breakaway goal against Newcastle. This goal helped Liverpool to the victory.

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Monday 2nd January 2006

ROVERS GET RECOGNITION FROM PREMIERSHIP

After their battling display in winning at Birmingham, Michael Gray, Aaron Mokoena and Matt Jansen have been selected in the Premiership Team of the Week. This is as follows:

John Bateman (West Brom)

Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn)
Sami Hyypia (Liverpool)
Michael Gray (Blackburn)

Luis Garcia (Liverpool)
Mohamed Sissoko (Liverpool)
Danny Murphy (Charlton)
Luis Boa Morte (Fulham)

Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd)
Matt Jansen (Blackburn)

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Monday 2nd January 2006

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF FOR ROVERS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 WIGAN ATHLETIC 0

They say persistance goes a long way to winning and it did today. Blackburn Rovers eventually broke down Wigan this afternoon at Ewood Park. Goals from Shefki Kuqi, David Thompson and David Bentley were good enough to seal Rovers' second win a row. This victory was just reward for the home side as they bossed the game from start to finish and Wigan had keeper John Filan to thank for keeping the score down. Wigan finished the match with ten men as substitute Pascal Chimbonda was sent off for two bookable offences. Manager Faiz Khan made five changes from the win at Birmingham as Michael Gray, Karl Svensson, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Kuqi and Craig Bellamy came back in for Vratislav Gresko, Aaron Mokoena, Brett Emerton, injured Paul Dickov and Matt Jansen. Wigan gaffer Paul Jewell also made five changes by bringing in Filan, Brede Hangeland, Steven Pressley, Josip Skoko and Jimmy Bullard to replace Paul Willis, Arjan de Zeeuw, Stephane Henchoz, Danny Woodards and John Hartson.

On a very cold and wet Monday afternoon, referee Matt Messias got the match up and running. Blackburn made a bright start when Gray played in Kuqi but his shot from outside the area went high and wide. And they went very close on 15 minutes. Pedersen swung his corner out to Ryan Nelsen on the edge of the area where he unleashed a sizzling low volley only for Filan to produce a stunning stop to keep it out. Five minutes later, they should have capped off their start by taking the lead. Lucas Neill's long freekick into the area was perfect for Kuqi to head in but his header was kept out superbly by Filan. Halfway through the first half, David Bentley's long range effort was deflected into the path of Bellamy but with defenders infront of him, his shot went into the sidenetting. Pedersen then sent a 35-yard freekick well over the crossbar to the frustration of the home fans. Just after the half hour, Rovers almost broke the deadlock. Pedersen cut inside from the left and crossed to the far post where Bentley's firm header was kept out again by Filan - this was turning into Blackburn vs Filan! Rovers kept the pressure on five minutes from halftime when Pedersen's freekick was cleared off the line by Denis Boyarintsev. And before halftime, Neill combined with Bentley before crossing for Pedersen to head just inches over the crossbar. The referee blew the halftime whistle to bring a totally one-sided half to its close. Blackburn will be very aggreived at not leading at halftime as they dominated this opening half but Wigan keeper Filan has been a formidable object to beat so far. So at halftime from Ewood Park, the score line was BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 WIGAN ATHLETIC 0.

Faiz Khan was hoping for some pressure exacted on the Wigan goal when the second half was underway. But it almost started in nightmarish fashion. Richard Lee's clearence was weak and it came to Agustin Delgado who tried to catch out Lee with a chip but it drifted yards wide to the keeper's obvious relief and Khan's fury. But that just the spur that Blackburn needed as they finally broke the deadlock. Pedersen's crossfield pass was collected by Bentley, who crossed to the far post for Kuqi to head downwards past Filan into the bottom corner. And two minutes later, Rovers extended their lead. Neill's high freekick into the box was met by a firm header from Thompson that flew past Filan at his near post. After the hour, Blackburn began to run riot as they netted a third goal. Pedersen took a quick freekick to the far post and although Bentley's header was stopped by Filan, the Englishman was on hand to volley home from six yards. Wigan had their first real attack of the match on 70 minutes. Delgado ran at the Rovers defence before teeing up Daniel Braaten from 25 yards out and he saw his firm effort go way over the top. In stoppage time, the home side almost ended the game in style. Svensson had an effort from the edge of the area superbly stopped again by Filan and then Nelsen put an outrageous overhead kick just inches wide of the goal. Chimbonda compounded Wigan's misery as he was sent off for two quick fouls on Bellamy. Moments later, the referee called the end of the match. Blackburn had dominated the first half but couldnt find a way past Filan but in the second half, the home side let rip and scored three very quick goals to secure what was in the end, a comfortable victory. The final score from Ewood Park on a wet Monday afternoon was BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 WIGAN ATHLETIC 0.

Blackburn : Lee 7, Neill 7, Gray 8, Nelsen 8, Svensson 8, Bentley 9 (Mokoena 63, 6), Pedersen 8 (Emerton 63, 7), Flitcroft 7, Thompson 8, Kuqi 8 (Jansen 63, 6), Bellamy 7.

Goals : Kuqi (53), Thompson (55), Bentley (62)

Booked : Nelsen & Flitcroft

Wigan : Filan 7, Choto 7, Baines 6, Hangeland 6, Pressley 7, Skoko 7 (de Zeeuw 45, 7), Francis 7, Bullard 7, Braaten 7, Delgado 6 (Hartson 74, 7), Boyarintsev 6 (Chimbonda 45, 6).

Booked : Pressley, Bullard & Chimbonda

Sent Off : Chimbonda (90)

Man of the Match : David Bentley - had his best game in a Blackburn since his loan move from Arsenal as his runs frequently unsettled Wigan's backline. Set up key first goal and then set the seal on his display by scoring the third.

Attendance : 25638
Referee : Matt Messias

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Wednesday 4th January 2006

UNITED TOO CLINICAL FOR ROVERS
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0

When you win while not playing well, it must be destiny! Faiz Khan saw his Blackburn side come up short in their big test against Premiership leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford this afternoon. First half goals from Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy were good enough to defeat the Lancashire outfit. Surprisingly, it was a very even match where Rovers showed just how far they have come under Khan but it was United's composure in front of goal that won the game. Khan made five changes from the victory against Wigan with returning Brad Friedel, Angelos Cijntje, Aaron Mokoena, Brett Emerton and Steven Reid replacing Richard Lee, Lucas Neill, Ryan Nelsen, David Thompson and Craig Bellamy. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made four alterations from the team that beat Birmingham with Gabriel Heinze, John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher and new signing John Obi Mikel coming in for Mikael Silvestre, Wes Brown, Roy Keane and Kieran Richardson.

On a very cold Manchester evening, Mike Riley got the match started. And Man Utd made their intentions known after six minutes when they almost took the lead. Superb one-touch passing involving Scholes, Park-Ji-Sung and Ryan Giggs sent van Nistelrooy through on goal but his shot was stopped by Friedel superbly. After 15 minutes, United should have taken the lead. Heinze's freekick from the left found unmarked Scholes at the far post but he directed the ball well wide of the goal. But a minute later, Scholes made no mistake as he gave his side the lead. Rio Ferdinand's high ball was controlled superbly by Scholes and the former England international turned inside before curling the ball from 25 yards into the top corner. Midway through the first half, United extended their lead ruthlessly. van Nistelrooy spread the ball out to Giggs and the Welshman supplied a looping cross over Friedel for van Nistelrooy to head home for his 20th goal of the season. Manchester United were threatnening to run riot a couple of minutes later as van Nistelrooy's firm shot was blocked by Friedel at his near post. It took Blackburn 35 minutes to register their first meaningful opening. Morten Gamst Pedersen went speeding down the left flank and his cross was headed just inches wide by Shefki Kuqi. Nothing happened after that chance and three minutes of stoppage time later, the referee called for the break. Well, Manchester United showed exactly why they are leading the Premiership with two quickfire goals and they didnt let Rovers get much of a sniff at the other end. At halftime from Old Trafford, the score was MANCHESTER UNITED 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

As Faiz Khan was making his way back out to the dugout, the second half was underway as his side were looking to get back into the game. And they started very brightly as they could have taken the lead. Mokoena strong headed clearence found its way to Kuqi 25 yards out. Kuqi controlled the ball and unleashed a shot that just went over the crossbar with Edwin van der Sar standing no chance. Moments later, Pedersen saw a long range freekick from 30 yards fly well over the crossbar. Halfway through the second half, Rovers started putting a bit more pressure on the United goal. Good passing from David Thompson and Garry Flitcroft found Emerton 25 yards out and he saw his fierce effort caught routinely by van der Sar. And a minute later, Thompson and Bentley combined to set up Kuqi from the edge of the area but his effort was well wide of the goal. Two minutes later, the away side had Friedel to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable. Gary Neville's long freekick was controlled by Scholes, he swivelled and his low effort was wonderfully stopped by Friedel's outstretched hand. With ten remaining remaining, Rovers almost got back into the game. Substitute Bentley ran at the United backline before sending fellow substitute Matt Jansen through but his shot was tipped over van der Sar. In stoppage time, substitute Wes Brown through on goal on the halfway line and he was only stopped from scoring by a fantastic saving tackle from Michael Gray. Moments later, referee Mike Riley signalled the end of an interesting match here at Old Trafford. United had made big strides in the first half, scoring twice but Blackburn were the better side after the break doing everything but scoring a goal. The final score at a delighted Old Trafford was MANCHESTER UNITED 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

Man Utd : van der Sar 8, Neville 7, Heinze 7, O'Shea 7, Ferdinand 8, Park 7 (C Ronaldo 45, 8), Giggs 8, Fletcher 7 (Brown 71, 7), Mikel 7 (Keane 45, 7), Scholes 8, van Nistelrooy 8.

Goals : Scholes (16), van Nistelrooy (22)

Blackburn : Friedel 7, Cijntje 7, Gray 8, Svensson 6, Mokoena 7, Emerton 6, Pedersen 6 (Bentley 63, 7), Flitcroft 7, Reid 6 (Neill 63, 6), Thompson 7 Kuqi 6 (Jansen 74, 7).

Man of the Match : Rio Ferdinand - the England international was coolness personified at the back as his distribution and great positioning was vital in United's victory.

Attendance : 67814
Referee : Mike Riley

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Friday 6th January 2006

KHAN IN DOUBLE SERIE A RAID

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed two free signings to the squad for next season. Faiz Khan has found two players whose contracts are expiring this summer and has got them signed.

Firstly, Khan has announced the free transfer of Italian playmaker Andrea Gasbarroni from champions Juventus. Gasbarroni, who can operate on both wings and in the centre, is said to be extremely happy to finally gain some first team football. Khan sees him and Steven Reid fighting it out for a place alongside Robbie Savage in central midfield next season.

Secondly, Khan has announced that Uruguayan international defender Gonzalo Sorondo will be joining the club from Inter Milan. Sorondo, who is currently on loan at Charlton this season has signed a 3 year deal starting from next July. He is very happy to be moving to Blackburn as he 'loves the pies.'

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Saturday 7th January 2006

ROVERS TOO STRONG FOR QPR
BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0

The cup run is underway. Blackburn Rovers comfortably defeated Championship outfit Queen Park Rangers in the FA Cup 3rd Round at Ewood Park this afternoon. Goals from Matt Jansen, Shefki Kuqi and substitute Morten Gamst Pedersen were more than enough for Faiz Khan's side against a very limited QPR outfit. Blackburn were so dominant throughout the match here and they could even afford to miss a penalty, Kuqi just before halftime. Khan made a massive six changes to the side that were beaten in midweek by Manchester United with Brad Friedel, Angelos Cijntje, Michael Gray, Karl Svensson, Steven Reid and Pedersen replaced by Peter Enckleman, Lucas Neill, Vratislav Gresko, Andy Todd, David Bentley and Jansen. QPR manager Ian Holloway made no changes from the side that were beaten by Brighton on Wednesday.

On a very cold and wet Saturday afternoon, referee Jon Moss got the proceedings underway to half empty crowd at Ewood Park. Blackburn made the best possible start very early on nine minutes. On the counter-attack, Kuqi sent Jansen through on goal and the Englishman stepped inside Danny Shittu before literally passing the ball into the far corner - it was a special moment for Jansen has it signalled his 50th goal for the club and what a goal! After 19 minutes, David Thompson unleashed a 30 yards shot that was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Simon Royce in the QPR goal. Three minutes later, the away side had their first sight of goal. Marcus Bignot's high ball was controlled by Kevin Gallen and he unleashed a great volley that beat Enckleman but it flew just inches wide of the goal. And then, Gallen teed up Paul Furlong from the edge of the area but his shot was very weak and Enckleman let it go well wide. Just before the half hour, Blackburn should have extended their lead. A Gresko was cleared and the ball came to Garry Flitcroft who lofted the ball back into the area where Jansen could only steer yards wide with a goal a certainty. On the half hour, Flitcroft fed the ball to Thompson who curled the ball from 35 yards out only to see Royce pull off an outstanding stop to keep his side in the game. Just before halftime, Blackburn were given the opportunity to extend the lead. Jansen was fouled by Shittu inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot immediately. Kuqi stepped up but he shot straight at Royce and the ball was cleared to safety. The referee blew for halftime soon after to bring an exciting half to end. Blackburn took an early lead but the away side created a couple of chances after the goal. Blackburn then dominated the last 15 minutes and missed the opportunity to extend the lead by missing a penalty. At Ewood Park, the scoreline in this FA Cup tie was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0.

The second half got underway as Ewood Park looked virtually empty. And the home fans were celebrating seven minutes into the half when Rovers took a two goal lead. Neill intercepted a QPR throw and his instant cross to the near post was firmly headed in by Kuqi. Blackburn were brimming with confidence as they almost stretched their lead further on the hour. A cross was cleared by Matthew Rose and with Royce yards off his line, Thompson tried to score with an audacious lob but it just went inches wide of the goal. Two substitutes combined after the hour to create another chance for the home side. Pedersen's corner found Craig Bellamy in the six yard box and his firm strike was blocked by Royce. A minute later, substitute Michael Gray should have done better when unmarked but he headed well over the crossbar. With 20 minutes remaining, a nice passing move from QPR ended with Gallen's shot easily smothered by Enckleman. As the game was heading into stoppage time, Blackburn ended the match in style. Brett Emerton found Neill in the box who crossed to the far post for Pedersen blasted the ball past Royce after the keeper had stopped his first attempt. After that, the referee called for the end to a great advert for English football. Blackburn started very well scoring an early and then missing a penalty late in the half and after the break, they were similar in their performance and sealed the victory with two goals before fulltime. The full time score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0.

Blackburn : Enckleman 7, Neill 9, Gresko 8, Todd 7, Mokoena 7, Emerton 7, Bentley 8 (Pedersen 60, 7), Flitcroft 9, Thompson 7, Kuqi 8 (Gray 60, 7), Jansen 7 (Bellamy 60, 7).

Goals : Jansen (9), Kuqi (52), Pedersen (89)

Missed Penalty : Kuqi (43)

QPR : Royce 7, Bignot 7, Milanese 7, Rose 7, Shittu 6, Evatt 7, Bircham 7, Gallen 7, Cook 6 (Ukah 78, 7), Moore 6 (Rowlands 69, 7), Furlong 6 (Nygaard 69, 6).

Man of the Match : Garry Flitcroft - was wonderful in the middle of the park snapping into the tackles and getting up straight away. His distribution was outstanding as well.

Attendance : 10324
Referee : Jon Moss