Villa v Rovers

[Alan75]

Result 3-0

With enforced changes to their defence, Rovers back four were over run by a rampant Aston Villa, who where looking for revenge for their defeat by Blackburn in the FA Cup last month.

As early as the first minute Villa took the lead through Dion Dublin, and from there on in, Rovers never got to grips with the Villa attack, with Dublin increasing the lead on 39 minutes to go in at half time with a 2-0 lead.

Rovers made a change at half time bringing on Ostenstad for Curtis, but it wasnt going to be Blackburns day, with only one shot on target, and two corners to deal with Villas keeper had a quiet afternoon.

Souness attempted to change things in the 70 minute by bringing on Gillespie, and Jansen in the 78 minute, but Villa made sure of all three points when Gareth Barry made it 3-0 in the 80 minute.

In his post match interview, Souness stated that he was angry with the performance, as he knew they could play better, and that it was time that the players started to stand up and act like the professionals that they are.

One factor that Souness was pleased with, was the performance of debutant Gresko, who although playing out of position, and not fully match fit, had a sound game.

Teams

Villa.

Enckelman, Delaney,( Staunton 83) Mellberg, Barry, Dublin, Vassell,  Hitzlsperger, Johnsen, Samuel, Moore,( De la Cruz 79) Gudjonsson,( Hendrie 90)

Subs not used., Postma, , Crouch

Goals. Dublin 1, 39. Barry 80.

Yellow cards Barry 33

Rovers.

Friedel, Curtis, (Ostenstad 46) Taylor, Johansson,  McEveley, Thompson,( Gillespie 70) Flitcroft,  , Tugay, Gresko,( Jansen 78) Cole, Yorke,

Subs not used. Kelly, Douglas

Yellow cards Thompson 10, Johansson 36 McEveley 45 Taylor 64 Flitcroft 85

Referee.

Mike Dean

Attendance 29,171