Unbeaten Run Ends

[Guest Kamy100]

Sam Allardyce tasted defeat for the first time as manager of Blackburn Rovers as Aston Villa continued their push towards securing a champions league place.

The first half was a very tight affair as both teams cancelled each other out, however it was Villa who looked to have cutting edge and took the lead on 27 minutes as Rovers went to sleep and allowed Gareth Barry to take a short corner to James Milner who cut into the box and fizzed a shot into the top corner. Rovers had good claims for a penalty after McCarthy was fouled but referee Steve Bennett turned this and many other claims down throughout the afternoon.

The second half saw Tuguy and new boy Diouf come on and it seemed to galvinise Rovers as they pushed forward however could not get the equaliser. As the game wore on it was Villa who took control and squandered many good opportunities at the other end Rovers could not create any clear cut opportunities. With the game entering into injury time Villa finally secured victory with Agbonlahor scoring as he cut into the box and his shot deflected of Nelson and past the hapless Paul Robinson.

Rovers now find themselves firmly routed in the relegation zone and next up in the league is a daunting visit to Old Trafford to play champions Manchester United.

Manager Quotes and Match Facts:

Sam Allardyce:

"We never really played to our best.

"Credit to Villa as they didn't just stop us playing but played well themselves. They deserved the win."

On the unsuccessful penalty appeals, Allardyce added: "They were not major. You've seen them given and not given but it wasn't to be."

Martin O'Neill:

"I'm absolutley delighted to have won the game. It's another away win and it's fantastic going.

"We deserved to win the game. I felt we were excellent and created a lot of chances.

"The team just keep going. They were terrific not just in terms of energy and commitment but ability."

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Pedersen, Grella, Andrews (Kerimoglu 46), Dunn (Diouf 46), McCarthy, Roberts (Roque Santa Cruz 74).

Subs Not Used: Bunn, Khizanishvili, Villanueva, Givet.

Booked: McCarthy, Kerimoglu.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar (Gardner 46), Davies, Knight, Luke Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Heskey (Carew 70), Agbonlahor.

Subs Not Used: Guzan, Sidwell, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey.

Goals: Milner 27, Agbonlahor 90.

Att: 24,267

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).