Striking Scouser.

[Alan75]

With 25 minutes gone a right wing cross by Gillespie lead to the solitary goal by midfielder David Thompson that gave Rovers a 1-0 home win against Southampton at Ewood Park this afternoon.

In a game where neither team wanted to loose, both goalkeepers had a busy afternoon, with  Friedel once again proving what a world class keeper he has developed in to. First  he denied Marsden, then pulled off a brilliant double save parrying Fernandes' powerful shot and then reacted quickly to block James Beattie's follow-up.

Blackburn took the lead on 26 minutes when the ball was worked to Gillespie and his cross found Thompson who swept the ball past home from 15 yards.

Southampton pushed for the equaliser, but Rovers revamped defence with old war horses Berg and Short were determined to keep a clean sheet.

Southampton pushing forward left spaces at the back but Rovers failed to capitalise, through Andy Cole on two occasions, and a header from Yorke went narrowly wide, plus a stinging shot from Tugay that was saved the Southampton keeper.

Final score 1-0

Rovers

Friedel, Neill , Short , Berg , Gresko , Gillespie (Ostenstad 90) , Flitcroft , Tugay (Johansson 57) Thompson , Cole , Yorke (Taylor 62)

Subs not used Grabbi, Kelly

Southampton

Niemi , Telfer , Lundekvam , Svensson , Higginbotham , Fernandes (Prutton 71), Oakley , Svensson (Ormerod), Marsden , Beattie , Tessem

Subs not used Williams , Davies, Jones

Yellow card. Marsden

Ref: M Riley

Attendance 24896

Peter Jackson Man of the Match

Craig Short.

As a result of todays win Rovers move up to 10 in the table.