Changes;

[sammiller]

ROVERS CRUISE IN EUROPE

After a 2-0 victory at Ewood Park, Rovers cruised to a victory in the Uefa Cup Qualifying round.
Rovers seemed comfortable throughout, and had the tie wrapped up by the 10 minute, when Santa Cruz's low shot beat the keeper via a slight deflection. Rovers had threatened before this goal, and the all important goal had seemed imminent. They continued to press before the interval, yet didn't manage to double their lead on the night, with Cruz and Derbyshire both very closs numerously.

Straight after the interval, a foul on Santa Cruz meant a free kick 20 yards out. Villanueva stepped up and curled the ball past the goalkeeper, before wheeling away in delight. The tie was now becoming very simple for Rovers, and it got better. Five minutes on, a one on one chance for Derbyshire was comfortably converted; he never looked like missing. The score was now 3-0, and 5-0 on aggregate.

It was 4-0 on the 73rd minute, Santa Cruz had a fantastic chance to score, being left free in the area. Of course, the Paraguayian (sp?) cooly slotted the ball inside the goalkeeper, giving the scoreline a suitably flattering outlook. Vladimir Khidesheli got one back for Tbilisi, but the final score was 4-1; complete dominance for Rovers, a 6-1 aggregate score.

MOTM - Santa Cruz
Goals - Santa Cruz(2), Villanueva, Derbyshire​

 

[sammiller]

EMERTON JOINS VILLA

Brett Emerton today joined Aston Villa in a deal believed to be in the region of £5million. The versatile Australian was believed to be a main figure in Sam Millers plans, but the money which was offered obviously swayed Millers opinion of the players status. Miller had needed the money due to his pre-season spending, with the signings of Paulo Ferreria and Andrey Arshavin forcing Emerton down the pecking order. Emerton hadn't started a game in the first few weeks of the season, due to Ferrerias and Arshavins impressive form. Emerton paid tribute to his former team: "I loved my time at England. They brought me over to England and I appreciate it. I accept they needed the money and hope to move on with my career".

AT LEAST THEY DIDN'T CONCEDE....

Rovers finally managed a Premiership point for the season, courtesy of a goalless draw with West Ham United. The game had chances for each team, but neither could force a goal. Rovers were on the ropes in the last ten minutes, with Zamora having no fewer than three clear cut opportunities.

MOTM - Samba​

ROVERS PULL PLUG ON McCARTHY

Blackburn have pulled the plug on the sale of Benni McCarthy to Reading, citing the players importance to the club as the reason. The player, who believed he wasn't wanted, had accepted a contract from Reading but Rovers made an 11th hour decision not to sell the player. Reading are said to be unhappy but accepting of the decision by Rovers.

BACK TO NORMAL​

Rovers slumped to a miserable 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park. The game was closely fought but Everton took their chances. Yakubu and Fernandes scored for Everton, as The Toffees stormed into a fifteenth minute two goal lead. The rest of the half were spent with Rovers finding their way back into the game without forcing a clear cut goalscoring opportunity.

The first 25 minutes of the second period were closely fought, but it was Everton who scored on the 69th minute. Andy Johnson stormed through to slot the ball home, giving Everton an unreachable 3-0 lead; a lead which was flattering to say the least. Derbyshire clawed a ball back when a ball was cut back to him from 6 yards out, but Rovers couldn't force another goal, despite fifteen minutes of relentless player.

MOTM - Derbyshire​

sammiller added 34 Minutes and 53 Seconds later...

DRAMA AS ROVERS FALL AT FINAL HURDLE​

Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers produced a breathtaking display of attacking forward at St James Park, with six goals being shared amongst the teams.

After spells of Newcastle pressure, with Geremi having a tame shot from a good position saved by Robinson. Santa Cruz replied for Rovers by having a powerful shot tipped wide of the post by ex-Rover Shay Given. However, five minutes later, Santa Cruz's adventurous run brought him a one on one chance, which he converted with ease, shaping his body to place the ball across the outstretched arm of Shay Given. It was Pedersen who was the provider, and he received much of the plaudits. Ze Castro nearly responded immediately, his header from a Milner cross just evading the hand of Robinson, however luckily for the ex-Spurs keeper clearing the crossbar.

On the 30 minute mark, Rovers doubled their advantage; Villanuevas excelleng through ball found Santa Cruz, who again placed the ball past Given. Rovers were in dreamland, but always looked edgy against a typically attacking King Kev side. Owen nearly clawed a goal back for The Toon when a Diouf cross was met by his diving header; however the ball flew just over the crossbar. However, in the 41st minute, Newcastle did score. N'zogbia's cross was meant for Owen, but found its way to the unmarked Emre, who powered the ball to the right of Robinson, halving the deficit. There were shadows of Manchester City at home, and Blackburns defence started to lose confidence. Despite this, the lead was nearly doubled when Al-Hawasawi played an excellent ball to Cruz, whos shot was narrowly and agonisingly dragged wide of the post. The half time score was 2-1 to Rovers, leaving the game wonderfully poised for the second half.

Straight after the interval, Al-Hawasawi found himself one on one with the keeper, but a match saving tackle by Jose Enrique ensured the hitman didn't manage a shot on goal. The tackle was widely applauded by the Toon Army, and Rovers were frustrated. To make matters worse, minutes later, the Geordies were level. Geremi's pinpoint pass found Owen clean through, but after the first effort was saved, he composed himself to finish the rebound. St James Park errupted with joy at the quality of the comeback.

Five minutes later, the match swung again. A clever Arshavin run found him inside the area, where he fell under an Enrique challenge. The Rovers players appealed convincingly, and the referee pointed to the spot, much to Enriques disgust. Pedersen was the man who stepped up, looking confident in his ability to score. However, the powerful effort was read by Given, who dived to his left to push the ball away. Not for the first time, the ground errupted, whereas the Rovers away fans held their heads in disappointment.

Straight after the penalty disappointment, Newcastle attacked and the pacy Martins found himself clean through. Possibly feeling the pressure, his shot was fired wide, when he really should have been hitting the target. Martins had a face of thunder, cursing himself for spurning such a fantastic opportunity. Mintutes later, Emre was at it again. His magnificent free kick was only just reached by Robinson, who punched it over the bar. The ball looked like it could go in any net at any time.

In this fantastic game, it was Rovers who grabbed the initiative next. A surging run found Santa Cruz with a clear chance, which he cooly slotted past Given. He had completed a brilliant hat trick and the momentum swung once more. he had the chance in the 67th minute to do it again, however he mis kicked the ball and it flew horribly wide. He looked furious, but his previous efforts made sure the summer signing was forgiven.

Villanueva was next to rue a missed opportunity, his free kick hitting the woodwork, thus denying him his fourth goal of a so far successful season for him personally. Soon after, Newcastle thought they'd equalized. A Emre efforts was clawed to Owen, who tapped the ball into an empty net. He celebrated, but was denied by the linesmans flag. Cue much Geordie discontent.

The linesman favoured them, however, on the 84th minute. N'Zogbia's pass found Diouf in a seemingly offside position. Rovers players stood still, but Diouf ran in to score. He celebrated with his hand cupped round his ear. Note to Diouf: you aren't playing for Bolton now, don't taunt Newcastle fans. The fans went crazy, whilst AL-Hawasawi was warned for his protest at the legality of the goal.

Newcastle dominated from there on. However, in the 90th minute the games major talking point occured. Milner found himself amassed in a bunch of bodies. He was the last man, and his shot was saved. The ball moved towards this pack of bodies, and he stretched to put the ball in the empty net. Cue much pandamonium amongst the Newcastle fans. However, up went the flag again to deny Newcastle. Did the linesman not recognise he had shot the original shot and thus couldn't be offside? Who knows. Either way, the potential game of the season ended 3-3. With two disallowed goals, a missed penalty and a controversial goal hauled in. Mixed with crazy beer belly wielding fans. And more misses than at a married couples convention. I'll get my coat.

MOTM - RS.Cruz
Goals - Cruz(3)​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Wow 3-3 all thats great match . Must be entertaining . Great description . KUTGW

 

[sammiller]

THE SUMMARY: MONTH 1​

Turn it upside down...

Player of the month..

Roque Santa Cruz

I am very happy to win Rovers player of the month. I thank the fans for supporting me in my first month in England. I now hope to improve the teams domestic form.​

Roque Santa Cruz​

_______________________________________________________________

A poor month for Blackburn Rovers domestically. They were hurt by two poor home defeats. They need to remain focused for 90 minutes as they're prone to blowing the game in the latter stages. Their European form may have hampered their league performance, so consistency needs to be a feature in their performances. The performances of Santa Cruz and Villanueva will boost Miller.​

​

 

[PhilD123]

Villaneuva and Santa Cruz are doing brilliantly, and the team is doing well in Europe. The domestic form needs a dramatic increase and quickly, and that important first win! Good luck and nice use of puns!

 

[sammiller]

I agree phildinho, on everything you said (yes the puns are quite sneaky)

I came close versus Newcastle though!

Thanks everybody who has commented

 

[sammiller]

JUST!​

After the drama of the weekends trip to St James's Park, Rovers were back in Europe, which has so far been their recluse from their disappointing Premiership form.
The game itself was a dull one, with the Blackburn players seemingly tired from the hard game they'd played at the weekend. The home side were sluggish and rarely looked like scoring. The game start with Swiss side Sion attacking, and Daniel Meyer came close early on with a close range effort. It took Rovers half an hour to muster up an attack of any distinction, a Rigters dribble and cross headed over narrowly by Malik Mouath Hawasawi. The Saudi Arabian was close again ten minutes later, when a hopeful punt upfield from Paul Robinson found Al-Hawasawi, who powered into a shooting opportunity. The subsequent effort was powered high and wide, however it must have been encouraging that he was earning such opportunities.

The hitman continued to cause problems for the Sion defence, and scored on the 43rd minute. Santa Cruz's excellent ball found Al-Hawasawi, who stroked the ball into the back of the net. He wheeled away in delight, but instead of facing his second goal of the season, he faced a flag: a linesmans flag. The goal was disallowed and the half time score was 0-0.

Sion had numerous half chances inthe second period, as did Rovers. The first clear chance was when Santa Cruz's cross was met by Al-Hawasawi. The header appeared destined for goal but it hit the bar; the Rovers fans with both hands on their heads, almost accepting it wasn't their day.

With ten minutes left, the game swung Blackburns way, Roque Santa Cruz taking on Meier before calmly slotting the ball home. He did fantastically to work the opportunity, and Rovers were granted a Uefa Cup lifeline. Santa Cruz and Al-Hawasawi both had headers saved, and Rovers were forced to settle for a 1-0 win.

Rovers MOTM - Santa Cruz(1 [this month so far])
Goals - Cruz​

ROVERS BATTLE, BUT OUTCLASSED BY CHELSEA​

Rovers today fell to a very strong Chelsea side, further falling into relegation trouble.
The first goal for Chelsea was on the quarter of an hour mark, Drogba rising to head a corner home. The goal had been threatened for all the time beforehand, with Drogba and Cole guilty of missing chances. Ten minutes on, the game seemed dead and buried, as a smart move led the ball to fall to Essien 10 yards out. He calmly drilled the ball home, giving Chelsea a two goal advantage.

Rovers seemed lost, but did manage to halve the lead. After Rigters and Dunn himself had shots saved, Dunn managed to bundle the ball home in the resultant goalmouth scramble. The Rovers team and fans were lifted, and spent the rest of the half on the front foot, with Santa Cruz and Derbyshire both missing decent chances; the goalkeeping of Cech keeping the Blues ahead.

However, the interval seemed to cause Rovers to lose their momentum, as Terry headed home five minutes into the second half. From here, the play was from end to end, both sides having decent chances. Dunn was leading Blackburn on, but didn't manage to help them to another goal, as Rovers succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.

MOTM - Dunn
Goal - Dunn

ROVERS CRASH OUT OF LEAGUE CUP

Rovers crashed out of the league cup after a surprise defeat at home to Sunderland. The main bulk of the damage occured in the first half, as Sunderland stormed into a 3-0 lead. Jones, Leadbitter and Chopra did the damage, as Rovers were roundly jeered back down the tunnel- it was one of the worst halves in recent times from a Rovers perspective.

The second half started very encouragingly; within 10 minutes Santa Cruz and David Dunn had bundled home goals to cut the lead down to one. However, despite pressure, Rovers never really got going again and didn't force extra time, much to the disappointment of boss Sam Miller: "I wanted a good run in one of the cups, and this was a fantastic opportunity. I am very disappointed, especially with the first half performance. If we'd done that in the second half we would have been facing a mammoth defeat".

Goals - Cruz, Dunn
MOTM - Santa Cruz ​

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Some more poor results for Blackburn after a vey poor month . Hope you make a great comeback

 

[sammiller]

Thought of the week...​

Tottenham away is a fixture most Blackburn Rovers fans don't notice as they scroll down the fixture list; but when it comes, its normally a free flowing, end to end game. However, this season, more Rovers fans will have noticed it than ever. In a summer where many established players left, one left under a huge cloud. David Bentley left after just one full season at Rovers, after pushing for the move for some time. The way he did it, and the brass arrogance of his methods left a bitter taste in the mouth of many Rovers fans, who had to endure his Lucas Neill esque worshipping of 'The holy grail of Tottenham' and Paul Gascgoine. He talked himself up in the press, saying how he wants an England place; but to Rovers fans, he doesn't justify these claims. Many believe his disloyalty shows a player who, allbeit may have ambition, but doesn't have the decency to play out at least half of his contract, instead walking as soon as a club became interested. "Tottenham were the only club for me". Who knew that 'Tottenham' represented which ever club bought him? Were Tottenham the only club for him as he played for Arsenal? I didn't think so. So on Sunday 30th September, i urge the Blues to dig deep and find a victory against this cocky know it all. Tackle him hard. The game will also see Paul Robinsons return to the grave of many a great footballer, White Hart Lane. Don't let that number 11 score, Robbo.

Blackburn Rovers team

Paul Robinson
Paulo Ferreria
Ryan Nelsen
Chris Samba
Stephen Warnock
Andrey Arshavin
James Harper
David Dunn
MG Pedersen
Benni McCarthy
Roque Santa Cruz

McCarthy IN. Many thought he was left in the cold, but todays his chance to impress Blackburn manager Sam Miller. No real surprises here, David Bentley also starts for the home side.


OVERDUE VICTORY FOR ROVERS!

Finally, Rovers won! To make it better, it spoilted Bentleys first match against the club he left under a cloud the previous summer.The match started with both sides showing ambition going forward, and of course, with Bentley roundly booed on ever touch. Rovers stunned White Hart Lane by scoring first. Santa Cruz beat Kaboul in the air, leading the ball into McCarthy path. He composed himself to fire home, making a point to his manager. Rovers consolidated from there, but couldn't hold on. Spurs' goal came courtesy of Vagner Love; it was headed down by Tainio and he shot, earning a fortunate deflection. Rovers appealed for offside, but it was all in vain. Tottenham 1, Blackburn 1 was the score: game on.

The rest of the half was cagey, both sides looking afraid of conceding. Of course, this favoured the away side as they didn't need to press. It was them, whoever, that scored next. Huddlestone had just gone very close from a poor Pedersen clearance, with Robinson only just managing to reach the ball. His resultant punt upfield, combined with poor defending, allowed McCarthy through. 2-1, five minutes left in the half. His confident strut of a celebration incensed the home fans. The goal was great, 20 yards out after powering past Woodgate. What a goal!

The second half push from Spurs was expected, yet nothing seemed to materialise from their attacks. There was the odd chance, Huddlestone having a good effort blocked, but nothing to really have Rovers fans desperately awaiting the whistle. David Bentley was substituted with 20 minutes left, to the jeers and whistling of the Rovers fans. The chants aren't really worth printing.

However, with 10 minutes left, Spurs had a great chance. Gilbertos corner was met by Huddlestone. The header was powerful and accurate; however didn't find the net, Dunn stretching to kick it off the line. This appeared to be Spurs' chance to get something. And it was spurned.

The 89th minute was the one which won the game for Rovers. Rovers had a corner, Arshavin stepping up to take. Pedersen had met him in the corner, expecting to hold the ball there. EVERYONE expected this. But Arshavin saw something, and landed the ball straight on Sambas head, who rose above Huddlestone. 3-1, and what a win! David Bentley left with no smug look on his face, and Rovers celebrated that long awaited win!!


MOTM McCarthy
Goals - McCarthy2, Samba ​

 

[sammiller]

SWISS ROLLED OVER

Blackburn Rovers have qualified for the group stages of the Uefa Cup after battling to a 2-1 aggregate victory over Swiss side Sion.

In front of almost 16000 fans, Rovers showed battling qualities to overcome a competitive Sion side. After struggling towards a 1-0 victory, Rovers knew that the return leg would be a difficult game. The first 15 minutes did little to change their mind, as the Premiership outfit found themselves pinned back into their own half, unable to stamp their authority on the game. Charles Moser was a consistent threat, and in this fifteen minute period had one shot skimming the ball from distance and one saved from close range. Pushed on by their fans, Sion looked dangerous, and capable of causing an upset.

Rovers' first chance of any distinction took sixteen minutes to materialise, a Benni McCarthy bicycle kick going wide after a curling Pedersen cross. This was their best chance of the half, the rest being played with either sides creating mere half chances. Rovers were happy with this, they didn't have to score, but a goal would have made the game a lot simpler..

Two minutes into the second half, Rovers' wish was granted. Geiger panicked, and when McCarthy found space, he found himself hacking down the South African. A stone wall penalty. The man involved in the incident, McCarthy, stepped up to slot the ball home. 1-0 Rovers. Sion needed three goals, and to have any chance of this, they needed a goal. And fast.

Three minutes on, they found this goal. Morener Muller played Moser in, who moved in on goal to place the ball past Robinson. They had a chance, the fans recognised this, but they were still up against it.

However, Rovers showed why they're a top class Premiership team. They shored up defensively, and the Sion forwards were left to feed on scraps. Blackburn didn't make an impact going forward, but they had the elusive away goal, seemingly contented with the nights efforts.

In the last 10 minutes, the home side woke up. They started to really attack at Blackburn, and Adeshina thought he'd put Sion ahead on the night. His header, however, found the side netting, to the disappointment of the home side. Moser also nearly got a second goal on the night, having a close range effort saved by Robinson. This was it for the night, and the 500 strong Rovers faithful celebrated another decent Uefa Cup run.

Goal - McCarthy
MOTM - Robinson​

sammiller added 49 Minutes and 53 Seconds later...

GROUP C DRAWN

RC LENS
BLACKBURN ROVERS
FIORENTINA
TAMPERE UNITED
ZENIT PETERBURG

This means Andrey Arshavin facing his former teammates at Zenit. However, he has no return to Russia as this tie is at Ewood Park.

VIEWS ON THE DRAW​

"​

_____________________________

Fairly tough. Home games against Zenit and Lens provide opportunity to take points off two top teams. The big ones at Fiorentina. A point there will provide the leapfrog for a good run. Tampere away looks like a potential victory, if they win there I believe they will succeed. (roverstilidie)

______________________________


Decent draw. Wonder how Arshavin does vs Zenit. Win the home games and they're okay. (arshavinrovers)

______________________________


Eagily awaiting this, when United get knocked out of the Champions League I want to see who they face! (phildeasey)

_____________________________​

"​

sammiller added 12 Minutes and 28 Seconds later...

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool​

Tickets : Home & Away Allocation : SOLD OUT. NO TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE

The Blackburn Rovers Line Up:​

Paul ROBINSON

Paulo FERRERIA
Ryan NELSEN
Christopher SAMBA
Stephen WARNOCK

Andrey ARSHAVIN
TUGAY
David DUNN
Morten Gamst PEDERSEN

Benni McCARTHY
Roque SANTA CRUZ

Substitutes

Jason BROWN
Andre OOIJER
Malik Mouath AL-HAWASAWI
Maceo RIGTERS
Matt DERBYSHIRE​

 

[PhilD123]

Nice pun there again. Good aggregate win, a decent draw, Fiorentina and Zenit will be difficult but apart from that you should do ok. Good luck against the scousers!

 

[sammiller]

Please read it, don't be put off by the length!

FRENZY AT EWOOD

As the teams emerged from the dressing room, the noise was deafening. In the heavy, rainy conditions, fans still wore their replica T-shirts, showing clear distinction between the opposing fans. Rovers noisily chanted various songs, as Liverpool broke into a rendition of "You'll never walk alone". Their flags were raised, and the 7500 away fans made the Darwen End light up with red. The home fans whistled at this chanting, the atmosphere really reaching a knife edge. This far eclipsed Rovers taking on Chelsea at home. Liverpool were flying high and battling for potential Premiership glory, whilst Rovers were languishing in the lower reaches of the Premiership table. Banter was obvious, with Liverpool fans engaged in exchanges with both the CIS Stand and The Jack Walker Stand. The previous season saw a 1-0 victory for a then Mark Hughes led Blackburn side, and Liverpool seemed determined for retribution. The fans were eagily awaiting the whistle signalling the start of the match, and when it arrived, a roar broke out from all four sides of the ground. Could Rovers handle an in form Liverpool side?

Rovers searched for an elusive early goal, showing clear enthusiasm due to the support from the crowd. Santa Cruz had a long range shot blocked by Carragher, and the clear excitement from the crowd forced a frenzy as a result. However, disaster struck on the mere five minute mark. Xavi Alonso's cross was cleared by Samba, but Maschareno picked the ball up outside the area. His touch and shot beat Robinson' fired low and hard, with enough power, speed and accuracy to elude Robinson. Three corners of the ground were silent, but the sheer noise from the away end was enough to shake the ground. Liverpool were ahead, and Ewood Park fell silent. The wind had been knocked out of everybody collectively.

Rovers were despondent, Liverpool encouraged. They were attacking in numbers, and Pandev nearly doubled the advantage. Alonso's clever ball let Pandev through, but Robinson made himself big; Pandevs shot skewed wide, and Ewood breathed a sigh of relief. On the 20 minute mark, Pandev was denied by Robinson, who parried Pandev's shot from close range. Liverpool really had wind behind them, and Blackburn just couldn't get going. Liverpool enjoyed the pressure, Rovers seemed to fall upon it.

Liverpool were battering Rovers, and on 26 minutes, scored. After Risse and Gerrard were denied by Samba and Robinson, Torres headed the ball past Robinson, yet as he celebrated, he saw a flicker. A linesmans flag denied him the goal, and the Liverpool fans exuberant celebrations ceased. They moaned and groaned, as Blackburn fans taunted. Could this be the platform for big improvement?

Pandev was denied again on the 35th minute, running through after a fantastic Torres pass, he looked certain to score. But Samba somehow managed to hook his long legs around the ball to prevent Pandev having a shot. Cue much applause for the centre half. He wasn't ready to give up. Two minutes later, Samba blocked another Pandev effort. Pandev was frustrated. Samba was like a man possessed! 37 minutes in, it was Robinsons turn. A volley from a tight angle by Babel was tipped away brilliantly. How it wasn't over already is a mystery!

On 41 minutes, the unthinkable happened. It only takes seconds to score a goal, how true. Rovers, who to say had been on the back foot throughout would be an understatement. They were clinging for dear life and really trying to dig their heels in to prevent Liverpool running away with it. Nice passing from Ferreria to Dunn via Tugay and McCarthy led the ball through to Santa Cruz, who placed the ball home. Liverpool couldn't believe it, Rovers couldn't either. However, that didn't prevent the hysteria. The fans were crazy, some holding Paraguayian flags in support of the striker. He thanked Dunn for the sublime ball. Miller looked stunned. He tried to remain calm but the water stain on his shirt was clear to see. He was gesturing wildly while thinking he was off camera, but he was wrong. His water was more a feature on his shirt than in his mouth. The noise was crazy!

Four minutes later, and about 2000 dropped pies later, Rovers were brought back down to earth. An excellent 45 yard ball from Finnan let Pandev in, who this time evaded Samba to drill the ball home. 2-1, and Liverpool fans were back in song. If only Rovers had hung on til half time..

Al-Hawasawi replaced McCarthy at the interval, who appeared tired. The fans finally caught a breather at half time, where the atmosphere calmed. Away fans rushed for a beer. Or two. They could have scored five!

Soon after the interval, Rovers were in panic. Carragher fouled the Paraguay international, thus injuring him. This appeared to be the end of the world for the fans. Derbyshire came on, and they needed a huge performance from the young Englishman. The weight of the world, well Santa Cruz, was on his broad shoulders. The game calmed down from here, and Liverpools dominance ceased.

On 57 minutes, the ground exploded with noise. After Liverpool had pinned Blackburn Rovers back in their own half without really threatening, Tugay won the ball back for Rovers. He played the ball back to Dunn, who chipped a wonderful through ball to Derbyshire, who'd made a darting run. He shot from 25 yards, evaded the goalkeeper, and the young man went crazy. He gripped his badge and shouted, before firing a quick glance to check no linesmans flag had ruined his glory. Liverpool protested adamantly, but Rovers had scored, and Derbyshire had made an almost immediate impact.

Robinson had endured much stick from the Liverpool fans behind the goal, who jeered his every move. However, revenge was sweet for the goalkeeper. After Torres was forced to feed the ball to Pandev, the Macedonian fired a low shot which seemed to be darting towards the corner. Robinson saved somehow, and Liverpool fans gasped in disbelief. How?

It got worse for Liverpool. Xavi Alonso's rash challenge on Pedersen resulted in a second bookable offence for the Spaniard. Rovers fans went crazy, and minutes lazy, a powerful header by Derbyshire led to a great save by Reina. Rovers fans gasped, and Liverpool fans were shocked. This game should have been dead and buried. Liverpool were on the ropes.

There were various half chances from here, but nothing substantial... until the 79th minute. Arshavin crossed the ball in, and Derbyshire managed to make space for himself before heading the ball past Reina. Blackburn Rovers 3, Liverpool 2. After the hopelessness of before Spurs, Rovers were a changed team. This win seemed unimaginable weeks ago, but a win here was now a real possibility. Minutes later, Peter Crouch had the ball for Liverpool after bundling in the area. His shot was destined for the bottom corner, but Robinson somehow got a fingertip to the ball. Samba somehow managed to scramble the ball away. Rovers were saved, somehow!

With four minutes left, Liverpool seemed to be finding their way back into the game. They looked dangerous. Agger had the ball, and an attack looked imminent. Al-Hawasawi stuck a leg out, to no avail. He tried again, SCORE! He now had the ball, and after brief running, passed it across to Derbyshire .He shot, he scored! A hat trick after coming on as a substitute - against Liverpool. He was living the dream, and took the matchball home a proud Rover. He was widely applauded and cheered. This was the best moment of his life!

MOTM - Derbyshire
Goals - Cruz, Derbyshire (3)​

 

[PhilD123]

Brilliant win, and great work from Matt Derbyshire. This needs to be the result that kick starts your season.

 

[Manly]

Nice report

KUTGW, I just read start-to-finish.

 

[sammiller]

Well I'd prefer to link it back to the Tottenham win:cool:

But I hope it does, yeah. Finally I got luck instead of feeling helpless!

Thanks for the comment

Cheers Maney, appreciated!