Rovers 3 West Ham 2

[Alan75]

Match Report by Blue Blood

The second half was the most entertaing I've seen for a while.

We took two complete novices to the game with us, hoping that they'd be converted to the Blackburn cause, and at half time I was so embarrassed that they'd witnessed such a shocking display, I was convinced they'd be put off rovers and football for life. The first half started well enough the first 5 minutes or so we showed some really nice passing football, but after which we fizzled out. Our defence was woeful and struggled to cope: Zurab looked the most uncomfortable I've seen him all season, Neill clearly isn't a cb and Reid had no positional sense whatsoever. Gray didn't exactly cover himself with glory either. The west ham goal capped off what was a pretty dismal display.

The second half however saw rovers true grit and determination, and dare I say attacking class show. The pen was a pen, albeit a soft one, but a foul is still a foul and if it's in the penalty area then the consequence is a penalty. Bit worried to see Dickov take it what with his record but he did the business. For the second Dickov showed a bit of class and why we persevere with him, with a great finish. Was rather chuffed to get involved in the darwin end celebrations too.

As for the second goal we let in what terrible marking, especially Gray and Zurab. Was not happy at all; a new left back and the return of one of our comanding centre backs is vastly needed.

I was a tad suprised when Emerton came off, his first half was absolutely shocking but he seemed to be getting into the game when he came off. However the sub was spot on, and Kuqi to me caused all sorts of problems even before he scored. As for his goal, it was a pretty decent finish, showing he has a bit more about him, and Dailly duely deserves the assist as he repaid a bit of his stupidly high transfer fee with his floundering about. On the subject of substituions I though Hughes got it spot on, the Axe adding steel when needed and Jansen doing the job of running down the clock.

It really could have finished 4-3 and probably should have. Still on balance rovers deserved the win. Savage's free kicks were very hit and miss, two excellent ones but a fair few which were absolute rubbish, more consistency is needed or give them to MGP. Bentley after an anonymous first half did well in the second, both as a link up striker and right midfielder, very encouraging. Brad seemed to command his area well, and made a good save, which from the darwin end I thought had gone in, late on.

All in all encouraging that we can score without Bellamy and our resiliance is still intact. However, we need to get the defence sorted out. Come back Nelsen and Todd.

Rovers: Friedel, Reid, Neill, Khizanishvili, Gray, Emerton (Kuqi 61), Savage, Tugay (Mokoena 79), Pedersen, Bentley (Jansen 90), Dickov.

Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Thompson.

Booked: Tugay, Gray, Dickov.

Goals: Dickov 56 pen, 57, Kuqi 76.

West Ham: Carroll, Repka, Ferdinand, Gabbidon (Dailly 21), Konchesky, Benayoun, Mullins, Noble (Bellion 61), Etherington, Harewood, Zamora (Aliadiere 76).

Subs Not Used: Newton, Hislop.

Booked: Noble, Konchesky, Repka, Ferdinand, Harewood, Carroll.

Goals: Zamora 45, Harewood 63.

Att: 20,370

Ref: M Riley