retired_tnovo

Monday 9th January 2006

ROVERS DUO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN TEAM

After their impressive displays in the two matches last week, Ryan Nelsen and Michael were included in the Premiership Team of the Week. This is as follows:

Niko Vaesen (Birmingham)

Kjetil Waehler (West Ham)
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn)
Martin Taylor (Birmingham)
Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough)

Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal)
Paul Scholes (Man Utd)
Scott Parker (Newcastle)
Michael Gray (Blackburn)

Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd)
Sonny Anderson (Middlesbrough)

retired_tnovo

Monday 9th January 2006

STYLISH BRAZILIAN HEADING FOR ROVERS

Blackburn Rovers have announced the future signing of Bordeaux's Brazilian left winger Denilson.

Denilson, who has 61 caps and 10 goals to his name at international level. Faiz Khan is said to be ecstatic to get a real exciting flair player to Ewood Park and likewise, the Brazilian is very happy to be playing a top level like the Premiership. The winger is seen as great competition for Morten Gamst Pedersen down the left wing.

retired_tnovo

Saturday 14th January 2006

BOWYER INSPIRED NEWCASTLE DISPATCH 10 MAN ROVERS
NEWCASTLE UNITED 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1

The patchy form continues. Newcastle United comfortably beat Blackburn Rovers at St James Park this afternoon. Two goals from Lee Bowyer and another goal from Albert Luque were enough for the Magpies to overcome Blackburn in what was a very even match. Shefki Kuqi pulled a goal for Rovers but it was far too little far too late. And Faiz Khan's side's miserable day was complete when Aaron Mokoena was controversially sent off just before the end of the match. Khan made five changes from the side that QPR in the FA Cup last weekend with Brad Friedel, Michael Gray, Karl Svensson, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Craig Bellamy coming in for Peter Enckleman, Vratislav Gresko, Andy Todd, Brett Emerton and Matt Jansen. Newcastle boss Graeme Souness named an unchanged team for their cup defeat at Birmingham.

On a cold North East Saturday afternoon, referee Steve Dunn got the match up and running. And it didnt take the home side to hit their stride as they took an early lead. Mokoena was caught in possession in a danger position and when Lucas Neill cleared Luque's cross, Bowyer took advantage of Friedel coming too far out by lifting the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. Blackburn almost hit back immediately when Pedersen's long range freekick was superbly tipped over by Lee Woon-Jae in the Newcastle goal. The away side stepped up their pressure and on 18 minutes, David Bentley went storming down the right wing and put a teasing cross that fizzed across goal with no blue and white shirt able to make the final connection. The home side hit back with an attack of their own three minutes later. Emre and Michael Owen combined to set up Greg Halford on the edge of the area but his shot was easily smothered by Friedel. For the next twenty minutes, the match went to a scrappy midfield battle with neither side giving the other any space or time on the ball. Five minutes before halftime, Newcastle almost scored a second goal. Luque went past Bentley before passing the ball inside to Bowyer and from his cross, Halford's firm close range header was excellently tipped over by Friedel. Minutes later, the referee blew for the break. Newcastle caught the away side cold at the start by taking the lead but Blackburn have come back into the game with both sides creating opportunities at both ends. The halftime score at St James Park was NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

The second half got underway with Blackburn looking to salvage something from this match. But they were guilty for the second time for switching off from the start as Newcastle extended their lead with a great goal. From the restart, Emre set Luque on his way down the left where he fed the ball to Owen. The England international then turned inside Mokoena and teed up Bowyer from 30 yards and he unleashed an unstoppable powerful past Friedel and into the top corner for second goal of the match. Nolberto Solano then had a freekick turned aside by Friedel as the home side threatened to run riot. Newcastle then seemingly finished the game off with a third goal. Solano threw the ball to Halford and his cross into the area was met by a towering header from Luque past Friedel into the bottom corner. On the hour, Blackburn clawed a goal back with a nice team goal. Superb one touch passing from Mokoena, Gray and Bellamy sent Kuqi through on goal and the Finn took one touch before striking the ball through Lee Woon-Jae into the net. Khan thought that would get his side going again and try to take some more pride from this game but there was no more chances in the offing. The afternoon got even worse for Blackburn as they lost a man. A long punt from Titus Bramble sent Luque through high up the field but he was brought down by Mokoena. The referee immediately went for the red card and Mokoena was off - replays showed that Mokoena was unlucky as he got a heavy chunk of the ball before making contact with the Spaniard. Referee Steve Dunn blew for fulltime soon after and the victory was Newcastle's. The home side got off to the perfect start taking the lead but Blackburn came back into the match. But at the start of the second period, Newcastke caught the away team cold once again and the match was effectively over. The afternoon was made miserable even further when Mokoena was sent off for Rovers. The final score from St James Park was NEWCASTLE UNITED 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Newcastle : Lee Woon-Jae 7, Halford 7 (Boumsong 81, 6), Babayaro 8, Bramble 8, Elliott 7, Solano 8, Emre 7, Dyer 8, Bowyer 8 (Clark 81, 6), Owen 7 (Chopra 72, 6), Luque 8.

Goals : Bowyer (3, 46), Luque (52)

Blackburn : Friedel 6, Neill 5 (Reid 53, 7), Gray 6, Svensson 7, Mokoena 5, Bentley 6 (Emerton 45, 6), Pedersen 7, Flitcroft 6, Thompson 7, Kuqi 7, Bellamy 7 (Jansen 68, 6).

Goals : Kuqi (61)

Booked : Thompson & Kuqi

Sent Off : Mokoena (88)

Man of the Match : Lee Bowyer - inspired his side to victory this afternoon with two outstanding goals. Also flew into tackles and passed the ball around superbly.

Attendance : 51619
Referee : Steve Dunn

retired_tnovo

Saturday 21st January 2006

ROVERS SNATCH SHARE OF THE SPOILS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2

It feels nice to stop the rot. Blackburn Rovers avoided a third consecutive Premiership defeat by holding Tottenham at Ewood Park this afternoon. Spurs twice took the lead through goals from Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe but Blackburn hit back very quickly both times with goals from Craig Bellamy and Morten Gamst Pedersen. The draw was a bit unfortunate on Spurs' part as they had the better of this match but were guilty of poor concentration after their goals. Manager Faiz Khan made three changes from the convincing defeat at Newcastle with Ryan Nelsen, Robbie Savage and Steven Reid replacing the suspended Aaron Mokoena, Garry Flitcroft and David Thompson. Martin Jol, Tottenham boss made two changes to the side that thrashed Middlesbrough last weekend with Teemu Tainio and Keane replacing Aaron Lennon and Grzegorz Rasiak.

On a sunny but freezing afternoon at Ewood Park, referee Martin Atkinson got the match underway. Tottenham made a bright start to the match after two minutes. Jermaine Jenas went down the right flank and fed Defoe just outside the area and his cut back was met first time by a fierce shot from Keane but the shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Brad Friedel. And they should have made the bright start even brighter after ten minutes. Andy Reid went bursting down the left and he fed Keane in the area who looked up and crossed low for Defoe to tap in but Friedel was fantastic again blocking Defoe's goalbound effort. A couple of minutes later, Rovers made their first opportunity and should have taken it. On the counter-attack, Karl Svensson's long clearence was flicked on Shefki Kuqi to send Bellamy through on goal but he took too long on the shot and Paul Robinson had enough time to adjust himself before making the easy save. And that miss proved costly as the away side made the breakthrough on 17 minutes. Anthony Gardner intercepted a Blackburn pass and gave the ball to Defoe who ran Nelsen before playing in Keane and he showed fantastic composure by bending the ball around Friedel into the far corner. Blackburn were stung into immediate action as they found an equaliser straight from the top draw. Savage broke up a Spurs attack feeding the ball to Reid who passed the ball towards Bellamy and the Welsh international needed no invitation by smashing the ball with vicious swerve and curve from 25 yards giving Robinson no chance at all. Halfway through the first half, Nelsen hit a high ball into the area which was met by Kuqi and his header went just inches wide of the goal. Ten minutes later, Spurs should have re-taken the lead. Lucas Neill's cross was blocked by Andy Reid and the ricochet broke to Keane who sped past Nelsen but his shot was straight at Friedel and the chance was gone. At the other end, five minutes before halftime, Blackburn almost took the lead. Michael Gray pumped a freekick into the area but Bellamy could only head straight at Robinson as the England No.1 was rushing out at him. On the stroke of halftime, Jenas played a great ball to put Defoe clean through on goal but Friedel was there again to deflect the ball wide with his body. Moments later, the referee blew for halftime at Ewood Park. Spurs started really well and took the lead but Blackburn hit back straight away and went on to share opportunities with the away side for the rest of the half. The halftime scoreline from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1.

The second half got underway as both sides were looking to build on the first half and try and grab the three points. Spurs started the half just as they started the first half as they almost took the lead. Superb one touch passing involving Lee Young-Pyo, Defoe and Reid put Keane through on goal but he found Friedel in outstanding form once again, tipping the ball aside for a corner. Three minutes later, Edgar Davids teed up Keane from 25 yards out and the Irish international's shot went high over the crossbar. Tottenham were starting to put pressure on the Blackburn goal when Defoe found Reid on the edge of the area but his shot went crashing into the sidenetting. Just before the hour, some slicking passing from Nelsen, Savage and Reid teed up Kuqi from 25 yards and his fierce snapshot was stopped superbly by Robinson. Halfway through the second half, Spurs should have taken the lead. Lee Young-Pyo sent a super defence-splitting pass through to Keane but he was too slow to unleash the shot and his shot was deflected by Nelsen into Friedel's arms. On 72 minutes, Spurs finally regained the lead. A minute before, Defoe sent a great chance over the bar but he made no mistake this time. Defoe spread the ball out wide to Reid who ran at Nelsen before sending the cross into the area where it was met by a smartly directed header from Defoe into the far corner past Friedel's despairing dive. But Spurs' poor concentration after the goal let them down as Blackburn grabbed an undeserved equaliser. Substitute Brett Emerton threw the ball to fellow sub Garry Flitcroft who crossed into a crowded penalty area but Robinson flapped at the cross and Pedersen was waiting at the far post to head into an empty net to bring the game level. Tottenham missed a fantastic opportunity to win the match on 87 minutes. Lee Young-Pyo fed the ball to Andy Reid who sent over a great pass through to Paul Stalteri but the Canadian international went for the chip and Friedel wasnt having any of that, tipping the ball over the bar. Four minutes of stoppage time later, referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle to end this pulsating match. Tottenham will be wondering how they have not won this match as they dominated this game for long periods but it was poor lapses of concentration at the back that let Blackburn steal a point away from this game. Blackburn once again getting a result that they didnt deserve - this will be very encouraging viewing for manager Faiz Khan. The final score from Ewood Park on a very windy Saturday afternoon was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2.

Blackburn : Friedel 7, Neill 6 (Flitcroft 70, 7), Gray 6, Nelsen 6, Svensson 7, Bentley 6 (Emerton 61, 6), Pedersen 7, Savage 7, Reid 7, Kuqi 7 (Jansen 70, 6), Bellamy 8.

Goals : Bellamy (20), Pedersen (74)

Tottenham : Robinson 6, Kelly 6, Lee Young-Pyo 7, King 7, Gardner 7, Tainio 4 (Carrick 75, 7), Davids 7, Jenas 7, Reid 8, Defoe 8 (Stalteri 72, 7), Keane 8 (Rasiak 81, 6).

Goals : Keane (17), Defoe (72)

Man of the Match : Jermain Defoe - the England international took his goal really well and also set up the first goal for Spurs. His movement and determination were a nightmare for the Blackburn defenders all afternoon.

Attendance : 31347
Referee : Martin Atkinson

retired_tnovo

Sunday 29th January 2006

HESKEY AND BRUM RISE TO TEAR ROVERS APART
BIRMINGHAM CITY 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1

Well, they got their revenge in a big way. Birmingham City exacted great FA Cup revenge on Blackburn Rovers from their last-gasp defeat at the end of last year with a comprehensive 4th Round victory over the Lancashire outfit at St Andrews this afternoon. A superb hat-trick from Emile Heskey and another goal from Mikael Forsell helped the home side to this big win. David Thompson got a meaningless consolation for Blackburn in easily their worst performance since Faiz Khan took over as manager last summer. Khan named a massive seven changes from the battling draw with Spurs by bringing in Richard Lee, Vratislav Gresko, Andy Todd, Brett Emerton, Garry Flitcroft, Thompson and Matt Jansen to replace Brad Friedel, Michael Gray, Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Robbie Savage, Steven Reid and Craig Bellamy. Birmingham manager Steve Bruce made three alterations from the side that went out to Crystal Palace in the League Cup with Calum Davenport, David Dunn and Forsell coming in for Matthew Upson, Nasredine Kraouche and Walter Pandiani.

On a freezing Sunday afternoon in Birmingham, referee Gary Sutton blew his whistle for the match to get underway. Straight from the kick off, Julian Gray went down the left flank and his cross was headed just over the crossbar by Forsell. An early warning shot for Blackburn, one which they failed to heed as Birmingham as took the lead on eight minutes. Superb one touch passing involving Ardian Gashi, Dunn and Stephen Clemence put Heskey through on goal and he showed great composure by sliding the ball underneath Lee in off the near post. The goal sprung Rovers into action as they almost equalised five minutes later. David Bentley went down the right wing and his cross found Jansen, who took one touch before striking for the far corner only for Niko Vaesen to claw the ball away brilliantly. On 20 minutes, Blackburn started to put pressure on the Vaesen's goal. Emerton put Jansen clear beautifully and the Englishman's low cross was struck by Thompson but his shot was superbly blocked by Vaesen. And then, Lucas Neill's cross found Thompson unmarked but he failed to direct his header on target. And those two missed chances proved so costly for Blackburn as Birmingham scored a superb second goal. Mario Melchiot's long clearence found Heskey with acres of space to run into and he crossed for Forsell to head powerfully past Lee into the roof of the net. Straight from the kickoff, Birmingham were rampant as they almost finished the game off. Gray sent Stan Lazaridis away on the left who played in Forsell on goal only for his firm effort to be stopped miraculously by Lee - an oustanding that could yet keep Rovers in the game. Thompson teed up Shefki Kuqi from 25 yards a minute later but his low effort went curling inches wide of the goal. Just before the halfhour mark, Dunn saw a freekick superbly caught by a flying Lee. On 41 minutes, Birmingham were denied again by Lee heroics. Lazaridis sent over a cross to the near post and Heskey's firm header was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Lee. Minutes later, the referee blew for the halftime interval to bring the half to a halt. Birmingham were fantastic going two goals early on but Blackburn will still feel that they can get at least a replay out of this after more than playing their part in this first half. Both goalkeepers have been outstanding but its Birmingham keeper Vaesen who was smiling as the scoreline at the interval was BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.


As both sets of fans were still getting into their seats, the second half got up and running. And Blackburn wasted little time with a great start in the second half which got a goal back. Emerton won the ball back from Dunn and gave the ball to Flitcroft who crossed into the box for an unmarked Thompson to slide the ball past Vaesen. Birmingham almost hit back immediately but Forsell's speculative 30 yard effort went high over the crossbar. On 58 minutes, Rovers had a great double opportunity to equalise. Substitute Pedersen swung a corner into the box and when Jansen's firm header was stopped by Vaesen, Thompson unleashed a left-footed volley from the edge of the area which did beat Vaesen but hit the far post. Just after the hour, Blackburn started to put more pressure on the Birmingham goal and should have equalised. Pedersen fed the ball to Gresko who crossed the ball to the near post to an unmarked Kuqi but his header well wide of the post. On 65 minutes, Gray's superb low cross into the danger area was smashed well wide by Heskey - didnt score but it relieved some pressure. And on 73 minutes, that pressure was well and truly gone as Birmingham took a giant step towards the 5th Round. Gray played Heskey through on goal and he sidestepped an onrushing Lee and cooly slipped the ball into the empty net despite pressure from Gresko and Karl Svensson. And five minutes later, Heskey completed his hat-trick. Gray once again played a superb pass to put substitute Jermaine Pennant clear on goal and when his shot was blocked by Lee, the ball was free for Heskey to stab the ball home. Just before fulltime, Birmingham had the chance to inflict more damage on Blackburn. Pennant went storming towards goal but he was brought down in side the area by Neill and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Lee tried to put Lazaridis from scoring and it worked as the Australian's shot went straight into Lee's arms. Shortly after, the referee blew for fulltime as Birmingham took their place in the 5th Round of the FA Cup. Birmingham took an early two goal lead and then finished the match with another two goal boost as Blackburn were very unlucky as keeper Vaesen was fantastic in keeping Rovers out. At fulltime from a very cold St Andrews, the scoreline was BIRMINGHAM CITY 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Birmingham : Vaesen 8, Melchiot 8, Lazaridis 8, Klos 8, Davenport 9, Gashi 8 (Johnson 71, 6), Gray 9, Dunn 7, Clemence 9, Forsell 8 (Pennant 73, 7), Heskey 8 (Kuqi 84, 6).

Goals : Heskey (8, 73, 78), Forsell (24)

Missed Penalty : Lazaridis (90)

Blackburn : Lee 6, Neill 5, Gresko 6, Svensson 6, Todd 6, Emerton 6, Bentley 6 (Pedersen 45, 6), Flitcroft 7 (Savage 63, 6), Thomspon 7, Kuqi 6 (Bellamy 63, 6), Jansen 7.

Goals : Thompson (51)

Booked : Emerton

Man of the Match : Julian Gray - Heskey may have scored a hat-trick but it would not have been without Gray. He was such a torment to the Blackburn backline with dribbling and crossing. Had a hand in two goals this afternoon.

Attendance : 14081
Referee : Gary Sutton

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 31st January 2006 - Premiership Table


1st - Man Utd - 58 pts
2nd - Liverpool - 52
3rd - Chelsea - 50
4th - Arsenal - 42
5th - Everton - 34
6th - Tottenham - 34
7th - Blackburn - 32
8th - Man City - 32
9th - Fulham - 32
10th - Middlesbrough - 31
11th - Aston Villa - 28
12th - Newcastle - 28
13th - Portsmouth - 28
14th - Charlton - 27
15th - Wigan - 23
16th - Sunderland - 21
17th - Birmingham - 20
18th - West Brom - 18
19th - Bolton - 18
20th - West Ham - 12

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 1st February 2006

MONTHLY AWARDS FOR JANUARY

The Barclays Premiership Player of the Month was Chelsea's Hernan Crespo as his five goals helped his side maintain their challenge for a second successive Premiership title. Also contributed an assist for a teammate this month.

The Barclays Premiership Young Player of the Month was Liverpool's enthusiastic midfielder Mohamed Sissoko as his powerful all-action displays helped his side cement their title challenge. Included an injury time equaliser against Everton - great for your fan reputation.

The Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month was Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson as he guided his players to a 100% record this month, winning five games. Great time for a month like that and Fergie's second award this season.

The Barclays Premiership Goal of the Month was Paul Scholes' awesome curler against Blackburn Rovers. This goal set United on their to the convincing win over Rovers.

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 1st February 2006

ROVERS EDGE SEVEN GOAL THRILLER
FULHAM 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 4

What a game to watch that was. Faiz Khan saw Blackburn Rovers win their first Premiership game in three matches with a helter-skelter of a match at Craven Cottage tonight. Three quick goals in the first 11 minutes from Robbie Savage, Craig Bellamy and Morten Gamst Pedersen gave Rovers a wonderful. Heidar Helguson and a Michael Gray own goal got Fulham back into the game before Shefki Kuqi scored the decisive goal. Collins John scored late in the game but it was not enough to rescue a point in this very even and pulsating match. Khan named his strongest side for the first time in a very long time while Fulham manager Chris Coleman made two changes from the FA Cup victory over Woking with Alan Blayney and Michael Timlin replacing Jaroslav Drobny and Mark Pembridge.

In fairly cool temperatures in Craven Cottage, referee Martin Atkinson got the proceedings underway. Khan wanted a bright start from his players following their Cup humbling at the weekend and he certainly got it. Zat Knight pushed Kuqi in the back and from the freekick, Savage stepped up from 25 yards out to place the ball over the wall and into the top corner. And that good start to the match for Blackburn got better three minutes later. A high ball from Ryan Nelsen was flicked on by Kuqi and although Blayney superbly stopped Steven Reid's effort, he could not do anything to stop Bellamy's coolly taken rebound - his 5th goal for the club and surely much more to come from him. Blackburn were really playing like a house on fire and the fire got even brighter on 11 minutes. Reid found David Bentley who looked up before picking out Pedersen with a wonderful reverse and the Norweigan international showed composure and power at the same time by unleashing a stunning low finish into the far corner - also his 5th goal of the season. You would have thought the match was over before it even started but Fulham proved that notion to be laughable on 17 minutes. Steed Malbranque brilliantly swapped passes with Timlin and his cross was fired into the roof of the net at the second attempt by Helguson. Eight minutes later, Malbranque sent Timlin down the left and his near post was headed just over the crossbar by Claus Jensen. Just before the halfhour, Fulham almost got a second goal back. Helguson stormed towards goal past Nelsen and then Svensson before unleashing a powerful rocket towards the top corner only for Brad Friedel to deny him with a stunning stop and the ball was cleared to safety. After the halfhour, Fulham should have got a goal back. The ball ricocheted through to Helguson and took two touches before hitting the ball straight at the onrushing Friedel when a simple chip over the keeper would have been easier. Five minutes before halftime, Blackburn were very unlucky not to score a fourth goal. A high ball was headed back from Kuqi to Savage who teed up Reid from 30 yards out and his hard, firm effort came crashing back off the crossbar and Fulham cleared away the ball. Moments later, a great first half was brought to its end. Blackburn started brilliantly scoring three quick goals but Fulham got back a goal and finished the half stronger and on top. The halftime scoreline from Craven Cottage was FULHAM 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 3.

The second half got underway as both bosses were sharing a joke together walking back along the touchline but Khan would not have been laughing at the goalkeeping early on in the half. Friedel came for a long freekick from Moritz Volz and got his punch totally wrong which fell to Helguson with an open goal but he instead struck the ball well wide of the goal. But moments later, poor defending gifted Fulham a way back into the match. Luis Boa Morte went busting down the left flank and he towards the near post but before Helguson could get to it, Gray got there first diverting the ball past his own keeper. Two minutes after the goal, Blackburn sprang into action and scored a fourth goal. Pedersen spreaded the ball out Gray on the left wing and he made amends for his own goal with a fantastic low cross which was turned in by Kuqi with the outside of his right boot - his 15th goal of a very productive season. The game then descended into the midfield battle and both sides seeing if they could stifle the life out of their opponents and the next opportunity fell to Fulham with ten minutes remaining. Jensen and Boa Morte combined superbly to tee up Ahmad Elrich from 25 yards and his firm effort was smothered by Friedel at the second attempt - the home fans sounded their appreciation. And their appreciation got even louder when their side pulled a third goal back on 85 minutes. Substitute Dean Shiels passed the ball to Jensen and he produced a fantastic defence-splitter which slipped away by fellow substitute John at Friedel's near post. But that the last piece of action in this match as the final whistle went after four minutes of stoppage time to bring a fantastic match to an end. Blackburn started brilliantly scoring three very early but Fulham controlled the rest of the half, pulling a goal back. In the second half, Fulham started very well, getting a second goal back but Rovers effectively finished the game before the hour. Collins John's late goal set up a frantic finish but it never really came. The final score from Craven Cottage was FULHAM 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 4.

Fulham : Blayney 6, Volz 6, N Jensen 6, Rehman 6, Knight 6, C Jensen 7, Jose Jayo 7, Timlin 7 (Elrich 76, 6), Malbranque 6 (Shiels 82, 6), Helguson 8 (John 76, 7), Boa Morte 7.

Goals : Helguson (17), Gray og (53), John (85)

Blackburn : Friedel 7, Neill 7 (Emerton 62, 7), Gray 7 (Todd 73, 6), Nelsen 7, Svensson 7, Bentley 8, Pedersen 7, Savage 7, Reid 7, Kuqi 8 (Jansen 62, 6), Bellamy 7.

Goals : Savage (4), Bellamy (7), Pedersen (11), Kuqi (55)

Man of the Match : David Bentley - he was wonderful tonight as his range of passing beautiful to watch for neutrals. A great example was his pass for Pedersen's goal.

Attendance : 21800
Referee : Martin Atkinson

retired_tnovo

Sunday 5th February 2006

ROVERS HOLD ON TO POINT
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 EVERTON 1

They should have lost but they got a draw. Blackburn Rovers held high-flyers Everton to a draw at Ewood Park this afternoon. Shefki Kuqi gave Rovers an early but it was cancelled out just minutes later as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink proved that he can score anywhere he goes. It was a match that Everton had the better of in terms of both possession and the opportunities created. Faiz Khan made just once alteration from the victory at Fulham with Steven Reid being rested in place for David Thompson while Everton counterpart made three changes from the side that drew at home to Middlesbrough with David Weir, Lee Carsley and Shaun Wright-Phillips replacing Matteo Ferrari, Andy van der Meyde and James Beattie.

On a cold Sunday afternoon at Ewood Park, referee Alan Wiley got the match underway. Blackburn didnt take very long to make a bright start as they took the lead. Morten Gamst Pedersen played a freekick into the area and as Nigel Martyn thought he had punched away the danger, Kuqi took advantage of a gaping goal by sweeping the ball in from ten yards. After the goal, you would have thought Rovers will go and build on it. But not so as Everton got back on level terms on 12 minutes. Tim Cahill played a long ball which had Hasselbaink and Karl Svensson chasing after. Svensson got to the ball first but his weak header back was pounced upon by Hasselbaink who drove the ball first time through Brad Friedel. Halfway through the first half, Pedersen played another freekick into the area and Kuqi climbed to power a header straight into the arms of Martyn. On the counter attack, Simon Davies sped down the left flank and swung in a cross to the far post where Hasselbaink could only direct his header inches over the crossbar. Just after the halfhour, Cahill passed the ball to Davies and saw Hasselbaink making a good run and almost the perfect pass only for it to go too fast and Friedel came to collect. A couple of minutes later, superb passing from Cahill, Li Tie and Davies set up Wright-Phillips for an outrageous overhead kick that flew well wide of the post. Following two minutes of stoppage time, the referee called for time at the end of the first half. Blackburn made the perfect start taking the lead but Everton hit back straight away. For the rest of the half, both sides went close to taking the lead. But at halftime, the scoreline read BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 EVERTON 1.

The second half got underway at Ewood Park with the game delicately poised at one goal each. On 53 minutes, Everton should have taken the lead. Wright-Phillips combined with Tony Hibbert on the right wing and crossed for Hasselbaink but his header was stopped brilliantly Friedel. On the hour, the away side started to put more pressure on Faiz Khan's men as they again should have taken the lead. Phil Neville put Davies clear with a fantastic crossfield pass and he crossed low for Hasselbaink who shot high but Friedel tipped it over the crossbar. A couple minutes later, Wright-Phillips teed up Cahill from 30 yards but the Australian international's swinging shot went flying over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Rovers had the opportunity to retake the lead. Friedel's high ball into the area was flicked on by Kuqi for substitute Matt Jansen but his effort was stopped wonderfully by Martyn. Just before fulltime, Everton should have won the match. Substitute Leon Osman picked the ball up on the halfway line and sent fellow substitute James Beattie through on goal but as Friedel made another great stop, the ball was returned well over the crossbar by the same player. Referee Alan Wiley blew for fulltime moments later. Blackburn had started well scoring early but was cancelled straight away. Everton then began to control the match after that and they if it were'nt for Friedel, Everton would surely have won this match. The scoreline from Ewood Park at fulltime was BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 EVERTON 1.

Blackburn : Friedel 7, Neill 6, Gray 7, Nelsen 7, Svensson 5 (Todd 62, 6), Bentley 6 (Emerton 74, 6), Pedersen 7, Savage 6, Thompson 7, Kuqi 8, Bellamy 6 (Jansen 62, 6).

Goals : Kuqi (5)

Booked : Thompson

Everton : Martyn 7, Hibbert, Neville 7, Kroldrup 7 (Pistone 80, 5), Weir 7, Carsley 7, Cahill 8, Li Tie 7, Wright-Phillips 7 (Osman 72, 7), Hasselbaink 7 (Beattie 72, 7), Davies 6.

Goals : Hasselbaink (12)

Man of the Match : Tim Cahill - looked very comfortable on the ball at all times and took control of the midfield battle. Also had a hand in the equaliser.

Attendance : 31324
Referee : Alan Wiley

retired_tnovo

Saturday 11th February 2006

HONOURS EVEN AT FRATTON PARK
PORTSMOUTH 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1

They were close but not close enough. Blackburn Rovers had to settle for a point against Portmsouth at Fratton Park this afternoon. Rovers took the lead halfway through the second half from substitute Matt Jansen but a stunning late equaliser from substitute Collins Mbesuma rescued a point for Pompey. In what was a fairly even match, a draw seemed the most likely result. Faiz Khan made just the one change to the side that drew against Everton with Steven Reid coming back in for David Thompson. Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin made two changes from the team that drew at Middlesbrough with Dejan Stefanovic and Limberg Guiterrez replaced by Alejandro Cichero and Gary O'Neil.

On a wet Saturday afternoon on the South Coast, referee Steve Bennett got the match started to the roars of the Fratton Park crowd. The first opportunity of the contest came after ten minutes and it fell to the visitors. Reid fed the ball to Morten Gamst Pedersen who sent in a good low cross for Craig Bellamy but his fierce effort was somehow stopped by Sander Westerveld and the ball was cleared to safety. Five minutes later, Michael Gray sent Pedersen away on the left flank and he got into the area before his attempted cross to Shefki Kuqi was intercepted brilliantly by Westerveld's fingertips. Halfway through the first half, Dario Silva played a one-two with O'Neil and was clean through on goal but as he was about to pull the trigger, Ryan Nelsen came back with a fantastic tackle that got a bit of both man and ball - wonderful defending from the New Zealand international. After the half hour, Portsmouth nearly went behind on the counter-attack. Bellamy went clean through on goal but this time Tomas Votava produced an excellent challenge and when the ball fell to Pedersen, Votava simply stole in and took the ball off him, clearing the ball to safety. A very quiet first half on the South Coast came to end after three minutes of stoppage time. In a half of very few chances, Blackburn seemed to have the edge over Pompey as the halftime scoreline was PORTSMOUTH 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0.

The second half was underway at Fratton Park as Faiz Khan was just getting back to his seat in the dugout. His side started the second period very brightly. A high ball from Gray was flicked on by Kuqi to put Bellamy clean through on goal and when he was stopped by another Votava tackle, Pedersen picked up the pieces and struck the ball towards the top corner before Westerveld produced an excellent save to tip it over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Pompey should have taken the lead. Substitute Brian Priske went storming down the right wing and crossed low for Zvonimir Vukic to sweep home but he failed to hit the target altogether and he could not believe that missed opportunity. A minute later, Lomana LuaLua showed great quality by controlling a high John Viafara ball and volleying it instantly only for Brad Friedel to stick out his fingertips for a brilliant stop. Halfway through the second half, Khan saw an instant impact from a substitute. Pedersen went busting down the left wing and his low near post was swept into the roof of the net by Jansen - Khan jumped off the bench in delight at the results of his substitutions and it was also Jansen's 50th league goal for the club. Straight after the goal, Portsmouth responded by bringing Mbesuma on to replace Silva and Alain Perrin saw a great impact with eleven minutes remaining. LuaLua intercepted Karl Svensson's pass with a first time through for Mbesuma and the Zambian international took full advantage of Friedel's overeagerness to come out by lifting the ball over the keeper from around 35-40 yards out. With eight minutes remaining, Rovers should have taken the lead. Gray's rushed clearence somehow sent substitute Brett Emerton through on goal but he shot well over the crossbar instead of squaring for Robbie Savage who was well placed for an open net tap-in. For the remainder of the match, both sides threatened but could not create any more clear cut opportunities and the referee blew for fulltime. The very quiet first half was just edged by Blackburn but in the second half, it came to life with Rovers scoring halfway through the half. Pompey stormed back with 11 minutes remaining with the equaliser and the result was always going to be a draw based on the lack of chances created. At Fratton Park this Saturday afternoon, the game ended PORTSMOUTH 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.

Portsmouth : Westerveld 7, Jarzebowski 8, Vignal 7, Votava 7, Cichero 7, Viafara 7, Chitiva 6 (Robert 6, 6), O'Neil 6 (Priske 42, 6), Vukic 7, LuaLua 7, Silva 7 (Mbesuma 69, 7).

Goals : Mbesuma (79)

Booked : Jarzebowski, Votava & Priske

Injured : Chitiva & O'Neil

Blackburn : Friedel 6, Neill 7, Gray 7, Nelsen 8, Svensson 7, Bentley 6 (Emerton 69, 6), Pedersen 8, Savage 7, Reid 7, Kuqi 7 (Jansen 62, 7), Bellamy 7 (Flitcroft 77, 6).

Goals : Jansen (69)

Booked : Neill

Injured : Pedersen

Man of the Match : Morten Gamst Pedersen - the Norweigan international was Blackburn's best player as his movement and crossing caused Pompey all sorts of problems. His assist for Jansen's goal capped off a great display.

Attendance : 20201
Referee : Steve Bennett