Rovers Entertain at Ewood!!!!

A possible long term injury to Rovers and Kiwi Captain Ryan Nelsen soured the victory to Rovers as they bossed local rivals Bolton, entrenching them deeper into the drop zone.....

Missing Chris Samba due to suspension and Brett Emerton with a hamstring niggle, Sam Allardyce resorted to the 4-4-1-1 become 4-3-3 formation with

Robinson
Salgado, Givet, Nelsen, Olsson
Hoillet Andrews Nzonzi Gamst
Diouf
Kalinic

The Pride of Lancashire was on the line once again, with the snow powdering down, it didnt look like one for the faint hearted. Rovers got off to the brighter start, with Hoillet and Gamst looking threatening on either flank, and Olsson wrapping around on the over lap. A comical incident almost handed Blackburn their first goal of the game. Gamst Pedersen lined up a throw in, looping the ball over everybody and into the back of the net. Referee Chris Foy awarded the goal, but must of recieved a signal from the assistant, as nobody had touched the ball!

El Hadji Diouf was back to his normal self, spinning around in circles ranting at every call that didnt go his way. On the other hand, Keith Andrews was actually looking like a half decent footballer, tracking back well, distributing the ball around like a seasoned veteran....

Bolton threatened Rovers on the counter, Matty Taylor taking on Salgado and whipping in a cross, well cleared by Givet, whilst Muamba tried his luck from distance, drifting well wide of the goal. Rovers then countered after a sloppy error from the Bolton defence, a horror back pass almost sending Hoillet threw on goal, though Jussi Jaaskelainen was on hand to clear.

A shock collision between Nelsen and Gardner saw The Admiral pick up an injury. In typical fashion, Nelsen tried to battle on, but the big Kiwi was in pain and made way. A welcome return for Vinnie G, as he dropped into the midfield, Keith Andrews slotted into central defence. Minutes later, Bolton had their best chance to take the lead. Some neat interplay by the BOlton midfield found Taylor free, however his shot was well stopped by Robinson.

Kalinic decided he missed his dear friend, the goal post, a well struck acrobatic kick striking the wood work. Gamst Pedersen then had a go, his header was cleared off the line! Gamst also had a free kick, though it floated over the far corner of the post, when the near post looked like the way to go

Diouf scantered on the counter, a neat ball up to Gamst Pedersen. Realising he had drawn in the final man, Gamst headed across field to Kalinic, who's powerful drive was deflected by into the back of the net. 1-0 Blackburn Half Time.

A substitution at the break, but not your normal kind. Referee Chris Foy was replaced by Lee Probert after straining his hamstring. The weather also picked up, snow was blocking my TV screen!!!

Robinson was kept on his toes early, Gardner's strike well saved. Andrews and Givet were doing their best in central defence, whilst Salgado was really turning it on with some brilliant counter attacking football. Vince Grella, well off his best, still managed to break up play well, whilst Nzonzi and Gamst looked a threat.

Rovers almost sealed the victory early. A bullet cross from Gamst Pedersen found the diving Hoillet, who somehow managed to direct his header straight at Jaaskaleinen, unlucky. Allardyce soon withdrew Hoillet, bringing on everybody's favourite striker, Jason Roberts.....

Gamst Pedersen, playing another good game, delivered a neat corner, with Nzonzi powering a header goalwards. Jaaskaleinen pulled of a great save, but Rovers were not to be denied next time round. Pedersen crossed it in, Givet flicked it back into the box, Roberts sprung the offside trap, and struck the side foot volley after the ball looped over his shoulder. In not so typical fashion, the ball, went into the back of the net!!!! Blackburn 2-0!

A dangerous tackle earned Steinsson a Yellow, and Rovers almost had their third. Gamst Pedersen's wicked free kick managed to roll straight across the goal face, with Kalinic and Diouf unable to poke home. Diouf did manage to contribute to the game eventually. A quickly taken free kick by Gamst found Diouf, who turned his marker and crossed into the 6 yard box. Givet's glancing header struck the wood work, and into the back of the net....3-0 Blackburn!!!

Kalinic made way for Dunn, with both players well applauded by the Ewood Faithful...

Roberts could of made it 4 but couldnt line it up properly, whilst Andrews and Givet made sure Rovers did not concede!!

Nikola Kalinic

I have been one of Nikola's biggest critics, and its great that he is proving us wrong! A fantastic performance from the young lad, was given plenty of support by Gamst and Hoillet, but was more then able to hold his own up front. Nice goal!
More of Paul....a few fantastic saves in horrible conditions, good delivery, and no howler!!! Well in Devestating. Scans today will reveal all, fingers crossed from all Rovers, Kiwis, and an Aussie with a soft spot! He is a central defender. Enough said. Looks much more assured in the role, very solid, and boy did he love that goal! Starting to look the good. Solid in defence, and very crafty on the counter. I feel Salgado will work well with Emerton when he gets back into action Superb performance from the young man. Pace, trickery, and a deadly cross. Defended well as well Best Game all year from Nzonzi. Looked confident, won every challenge, and stepped up his game when Grella was out there, who was able to ease the burden Yes!!! a 7.5 for Keith!!! Was playing great guns in midfield, then did a decent job in defence. I know we dont rate him much, but, todays performance represents our club motto, Arte et Labore.....Keith gave it all for the team, well in! Another solid performance from Gamst. Great lay off for Kalinic, most of his deliveries hit the spot, and unlucky not to get a touch off the throw in 1 cross for Givet's goal and a good lay off for Kalinic's goal would normally mean wow a great game. But boy Diouf was frustrating out there. 10 players actually played good football out there, yet Diouf carried on only like El Hadji Diouf can! Would of done him the world of wonders to bury that header, which he should of! Worked hard and looked a threat, good performance Almost perfection from the young Croation. Great finish, great performance, work horse, played well. Fantastic stuff Kalinic A good 60 minutes out there. Welcome Back Vince! Wasnt at his best, but really eased the work load on Nzonzi, they looked comfortable and really bossed the midfield Well finished....yes i mean that, was a tricky one to hit, and even though it was almost straight at the keeper, it went in! Good performance. A little cameo appearance, welcome back Dunn! Liverpool Away, Tottenham Away, Chelsea Home.....

Now is the big test to see how far the team has come under Sam Allardyce.......

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