Rovers back in the Drop Zone

Blackburn Rovers battled valiantly for 80 minutes but once the first went in, it was no turning back as Manchester United laid one hand on the EPL Title, defeating Rovers 2-0 infront of a vocal Ewood Park.

Manager Steve Kean decided to make one adjustment to the Rovers starting line up, Bradley Orr in for Mauro Formica with Orr dropping in at right back and Lowe becoming an extra man in midfield. Hoilett appeared to play just in behind Yakubu, rather then pair up with the big man up front.

As expected, it was United who took early control of proceedings. Their swift movement of the ball throughout midfield had the Rovers defence on their toes, but to Blackburn's credit, they stood tall. Grant Hanley and Scott Dann showed early on that it would be no easy night for United, a few clattering challenges bringing the faithful to their feet.

United's first real chance came mid way through the half. Valencia was giving the Olsson' twins a tough run down the right flank, his venemous cross finding Chicarito, the Mexican's shot from 6 yards brilliantly saved by Robinson. The chances then flowed for United as Carrick, Jones and Evra were all guilty of striking over or wide.

Blackburn Rovers though hit on the counter. The pace of Junior Hoilett was alarming as Yakubu managed to release the Canadian. A well struck shot was tipped wide by De Gea, but it was a sign that Rovers could create a few chances on the break.

With the half closing, Rovers were extremely unlucky not to go into the break ahead. Olsson struck a powerful half volley from outside the box, the outstretched palm of De Gea forcing a corner. The resulting corner saw Hanley head goalwards, De Gea yet again making the save, ensuring scores were tied at the break.

Half Time 0-0

Rovers pushed on early in the second half and started to get in behind United. Pedersen tried from distance with no luck, but when Yakubu broke through on the angle, Rovers fans stood, but he just could not direct his shot goalwards. Hoilett continued to trouble the United defence, but took on one to many when he had Nzonzi roaring on past his right shoulder.

Though the golden chance for Rovers came with 20 to go. Pedersen released Olsson into the box, the Swede deciding to cut across goal for Yakubu rather than fire one home, Ferdinand pouncing first and preventing Yak from finding the net from 6 yards. Gamst Pedersen then came close with a free-kick but the inevitable finally happened.

Valencia was a constant threat down the right flank, and he indeed became the one to open the scoring. Another surging run down the right flank saw Valencia drill a swerving cross come shot into the box and into the back corner of the net, leaving Rovers fans and players alike in dispair. 1-0 United

Minutes later, Young doubled the scoring, a deflected shot from 18 yards finding the bottom corner of the net, dropping Rovers into the bottom 3 with 7 fixtures to go

Full Time

lackburn 0

anchester United 2

Grant Hanley

The young man stood tall and was immense. Several last man challenges kept Rovers in the game whilst he proved he could marshall a defensive line in his own 18. Top effort from the big man

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