Rovers 1 Newcastle 3

[Alan75]

Despite a spirited second half fight back, 10 man Rovers failed to pick up any points against Newcastle at Ewood this afternoon.

A lack lustre first half display by Rovers resulted in them going in 2 – 0 and a man down after Henchoz was sent off in the 40th minute for a professional foul.

Newcastle took the lead on the half hour mark through Martin and increased their advantage 5 minutes later through Taylor.

In the 40 minute things went from bad to worst for Rovers, when Henchoz was controversially sent off for a professional foul.

Rovers came out for the second half full of battling spirit and were rewarded with a goal within a minute of the restart when Pedersen curled in a shot from 30 yards.

However despite their spirited fight back the equalizing goal never arrived and with the final whistle looming Rovers threw everyone up front, including Friedel for a corner. Unfortunately the ball broke for Newcastle and with the Rovers goal unattended, Martins slotted in his second of the afternoon and Newcastles third.

Final Score Rovers 1 Newcastle 3.

Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Ooijer, Henchoz, Gray, Bentley (Todd 46), Savage, Tugay, Pedersen, Nonda (Derbyshire 46), McCarthy.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Mokoena, Peter.

Sent Off: Henchoz (40).

Booked: McCarthy.

Goals: Pedersen 47.

Newcastle: Given, Solano (Rossi 67), Ramage, Taylor, Babayaro, Milner, Butt, Emre (Pattison 54), N'Zogbia, Martins, Sibierski (Huntington 86).

Subs Not Used: Srnicek, Luque.

Booked: Babayaro, N'Zogbia.

Goals: Martins 31, Taylor 35, Martins 90.

Att: 19,225

Ref: D Gallagher