Sunderland Stun Rovers

[Guest Kamy100]

Rovers crashed to a second consecutive defeat at Ewood Park and now find themselves in the relegation zone.

Rovers dominated the first half and could have scored 4 goals in the first 30 minutes, Sunderland keeper Fulop made 3 superb saves, with Warnock and Santa Cruz also wasting clear opportunities. With half time approaching and Rovers dominating but not converting chances and it seemed like so many times this season that Rovers would draw a blank. However on the stroke of half time Pedersen's outswing corner found Samba who powered home a header to give Rovers a deserved lead.

The second half began with fans expecting Rovers to build upon their advantage. However, whereas Rovers dominated the first half it was Sunderland who came out fired up and preceded to equalise in the 50th minute. Richardson's corner was fumbled by Robinson and Kenwyne Jones was on hand to turn the ball home. The goal seemed to inspire Sunderland whilst Rovers started to make mistakes and concede possession. Sunderland continued to push for a winnner and it was no surprise when on 70 minutes Cisse put Sunderland ahead. Malbranque's cushioned header feel into Cisse's path who calmy slotted the ball past Robinson. Rovers tried to hit back but Sunderland held on for a vital win.

Rovers now find themselves in the relegation. Paul Ince now faces his first real test of his management skills, the reaction of the fans at the end of the game showed that they they were not happy with the performance particularly the second half. Rovers now face back to back away game against Tottenham and Portsmouth. Performances and results will need to improve sooner rather than later otherwise it is going to be a long hard winter.

Manager Quotes:

Paul Ince:

"It was a mistake [from Robinson] as he just came at the wrong time. But he has been outstanding for us and we are all in this together. I have just had a go at the players as I am upset and angry.

"We could have been three or four goals ahead by half-time. We got punished in the second half. It was a diabolical performance and the players should be a bit embarrassed by what happened."

Roy Keane:

"It was a poor first half, we were disappointing and under a lot of pressure, particularly from corners.

"At half-time we questioned the players in terms of how badly they wanted it and their character, and credit to the lads for that second half performance. The new pairing up front were a real plus for us today."

Teams and Statistics:

lackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Simpson, Andrews (Villanueva 62), Mokoena, Pedersen (Kerimoglu 76), Roque Santa Cruz, Roberts (Derbyshire 61). Subs Not Used: Brown, Fowler, Treacy, Judge.

Booked: Warnock, Khizanishvili, Mokoena.

Goals: Samba 45.

Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Tainio (Reid 53), Whitehead, Richardson, Malbranque (Leadbitter 83), Cisse (Yorke 83), Jones. Subs Not Used: Colgan, Diouf, Murphy, Henderson.

Booked: Tainio, Ferdinand, Collins, Jones.

Goals: Jones 49, Cisse 71.

Att: 21,798

Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

Sponsor Man Of The Match: Christoph Samba