McCarthy and Ooijer Save the Day for Rovers

2 Teams, different agendas. Tottenham, a win away from closing in on an unlikely European spot, Blackburn, a loss away from finding themselves in the relegation spots. Both teams, in desperate need of a win, sent out an attacking 4-4-2 formation, with a holding midfielder in the likes of Mokoena and Palacios. Keith Andrews dropped in at right back, whilst the combination of Roberts and McCarthy featured up front.

In what was a sign of things to come, Rovers started to play in what is being called, the 'Sam Allardyce fashion', with long balls being directed at the physical prescence of Jason Roberts, attempting to flick it onto the path of Benni Mc. Not much was happening for the Rovers attack.

Not until the 15th minute, when a neat interchange between Warnock and Gamst sent the Norweigan free on the left frank, dipping in a cross onto the head of Diouf, whose header strayed wide of the near post.
Moments later, a loose ball in the box from a long throw in found the path of Diouf, whose goal bound strike was deflected out for a corner, unlucky!!!!

Tottenham started to lift their game, with Darrent Bent finding space on the left flank, one on one with Robinson, blasting his shot low towards the bottom corner. An outstrecthed Robbo made a superb save, getting a strong hand on the ball, edging it out wide.

Controversy struck minutes later. Lennon picked the ball out wide, drove down the flank, finding himself about 5m away from Givet. He then whipped in a cross, which struck Givet in the hand, who was attempting to actually move his hand away from the ball. Penalty, Rovers went ballistic!!!!! TO add insult to injury, Keane didnt even place the ball on the spot, yet the referee waved play on. Robbo went the right way, but Keane placed it to perfection in the bottom corner, 1-0 Spuds.

Gamst picked up a calf injury, bringing David Dunn onto the pitch. Rovers continued with their long ball game, to the frustration of the home and travelling fans. Nothing was working, with minimal opportunities being created. To add to Rovers woes, Jason Roberts picked up a knock just before the break. Half Time, Spuds 1 Rovers 0

Oijer came on for Rovers, with Samba pushed on up front. Rovers were even more keen to get the ball up front quicker, and really did not look like penetrating the Tottenham defence. The first 20-25 minutes really was a poor affair, until Allardyce played his last card, Tugay coming on for Mokoena. Tugay recieved a standing ovation, and immediately started to get on the ball and distribute, however, no chances were created. Warnock was shifted out wide, with Dunn coming into the midfield.

As the 80th minute approached, Palacios was booked for a string of fouls on David Dunn. THis proved to be important, with only a minute later, Palacios picking up his second yellow for another reckless challenge on Dunn. ROvers finally started to threat, and the extra man gave ROvers the added incentive.

A long ball found the path of Chris Samba, whose attempted shot, or even possible cut back, found Benni McCarthy, who side footed into the back of the net, there was hope for Rovers, 1-1!!!!

Rovers continued to push on, however the long balls were just being belted back into the Rovers half. THe pressure was on, and Rovers couldnt believe their luck when Gomes made a spectacular save from a goal bound Stevie Warnock drive. However, Rovers fans went crazy only minutes later, and Sasman woke up half of Sydney.

Diouf took the corner, Samba stood his ground, the ball bounced up in the box, and Andre Oijer pounced, blasting the ball into the back of the net, earning Rovers another fantastic valuable 3 points, just like he did against Everton all the way back in round 1.

Rovers 2 SPuds 1!!!!!!!

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