[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Match Report: Rovers 2 Derby County 0

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Blackburn Rovers	(2) 2 – 0 (0)	Derby County
Rhodes (pen) 8, Dann 45 + 2
Referee: A. Haines		Attendance: 13,391

As the vultures of the national press began to circle Ewood Park with a wave of negative stories, it was left to Gary Bowyer to try to revive the flagging fortunes of a club that has become embroiled in yet another relegation battle. In his post-match interview Bowyer was quick to point out how all the negative publicity had helped to foster a siege mentality amongst his squad. Once again, the caretaker manager stressed the importance of players, staff and supporters sticking together in the wake of continued attacks from those outside the club.

Bowyer was honest enough to admit that the Rovers had enjoyed the rub of the green against Derby County but was, nonetheless, understandably pleased with a long-awaited win that lifted the Rovers out of the relegation zone. Indeed, regular followers of the club this season will know only too well that Lady Luck has not been a frequent travelling companion this season and her reappearance is more than welcome at such a crucial point.

Whilst there is still work to be done over the next five games, there is no doubt that this welcome win provides more than a glimmer of hope that the battle against relegation can be won.

Colin Kazim-Richards retained his place in the starting eleven after coming off the bench at Hillsborough last week. Cameron Stewart was the man to drop out to allow for the Turkish international's return.

For the second successive week the Rovers got off to a flying start courtesy of a penalty. For reasons best known to himself Jeff Hendrick decided to kick Jordan Rhodes up in the air when there appeared to be no apparent danger to the Derby goal. Unfortunately for the Derby man he was just inside the penalty area when he launched this reckless assault. Mr Haines had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Rhodes duly dispatched the penalty with ease after just 8 minutes.

Derby quickly recovered from this early setback and were soon dictating the game in midfield. However, for all of their intricate play they were unable to find a decisive final pass to unlock the Rovers defence.

The visitors were almost gifted an equaliser when Grzegorz Sandomierski's attempts to chip the ball to a teammate ended with the ball going straight to Jamie Ward. The Derby man found himself in the area with only the 'keeper to beat, but the Polish international custodian redeemed himself with a superb save.

Moments later Sandomierski was again in the thick of the action when Derby took a quick free-kick and completely caught out a static Rovers defence. A cross from Ward found Chris Martin, unmarked in front of goal, but his header from point-blank range was somehow kept out by a sharp reflex save by Sandomierski.

Derby were almost made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal when Grant Hanley met a centre from David Dunn only to see it hit the bar and then bounce down onto the line and away to safety.

As the first half moved into injury time, the Rovers notched an all-important second goal. David Jones sent over a corner which former Rover Frank Fielding missed and Scott Dann, with not the cleanest of contacts, forced the ball down with sufficient power that it bounced up off the ground and high into the net, beating the defender on the line. Nigel Clough, the Derby manager, was clearly incensed that the referee had played way over the additional time that had been indicated by the fourth official.

The second half proved to be something of a non-event. The Rovers worked hard to retain what they had and might have increased their lead but for a couple of wasted opportunities which Rhodes failed to make the most of. Derby, once again, looked neat and tidy in possession but rarely threatened to produce a cutting edge until late in the game when Sandomierski produced another excellent save from point-blank range before Grant Hanley cleared the ball.

Bookings for Hanley and Kazim-Richards proved costly as both will now miss the next two games due to suspension.

Apart from one error in the first half, Grzegorz Sandomierski again gave an impressive performance between the posts and he produced a couple of saves that were outstanding and enabled the Rovers to keep a clean sheet.

Todd Kane again caught the eye at right-back and looked very impressive with his attacking raids down the right flank. On the opposite side Josh Morris continued to struggle with the left-back role and looked what he is — a winger who has been converted into a full-back. Sadly, he is struggling defensively at the moment, while playing deep is curtailing his ability to get forward and deliver crosses into the opposition area.

Once again, Scott Dann and Grant Hanley looked solid in the centre of defence with Dann rightly picking up the man of the match award.

In midfield Bowyer again opted to play five with David Dunn and Colin Kazim-Richards switching between a berth on the right and operating just behind Jordan Rhodes. Jason Lowe and Lee Williamson were the holding midfield men and both enjoyed mixed fortunes. Williamson looked very poor in the first half but improved after the interval and had an excellent second forty-five minutes. Lowe worked hard but again struggled with his distribution before being withdrawn to save him from a booking which would have led to a two-match ban.

David Jones had a better game on the left but really looks more suited to a central position. Dunny was again the most creative player for the Rovers going forward and one suspects that keeping him fit and in form will be the key to Rovers' survival hopes. Kazim-Richards remains something of an enigma. Clearly one of the more skilful players in the squad, he flitted in and out of the game without really making much impression. In the second half he seemed to pick up a knock, which didn't help, and the booking clearly had an impact on his game.

Jordan Rhodes worked hard up front but was unable to take advantage of a couple of decent chances which came his way in the second half. If the Rovers survive and Rhodes is at the club next season, there will need to be a rethink about how to play him to get the best out of him.

The visit of Huddersfield on Tuesday night will go some way to determining the outcome of the relegation battle. Three points from this game will surely put the Rovers in a strong position to retain Championship football next season.

As the national media continue to launch attacks on the club and owners, one can't help but admire the attitude of Gary Bowyer in trying to turn the negativity which surrounds the club into a positive. Hopefully the siege mentality will provide the Rovers with the motivation to get the points needed to avoid relegation. Whatever else may be going on, the key to the club's future is retaining Championship football at Ewood Park for next season.

Teams

Blackburn Rovers

Grzegorz Sandomierski; Todd Kane, Scott Dann, Grant Hanley, Josh Morris; Lee Williamson, Jason Lowe (Morten Gamst Pedersen 76); Colin Kazim-Richards, David Dunn (Joshua King 66), David Jones; Jordan Rhodes (David Goodwillie 90)
Subs not used: Sebastian Usai (gk), Karim Rekik, Nuno Gomes, Leon Best
Caretaker Manager: Gary Bowyer

Derby County

Frank Fielding; John Brayford, Jake Buxton, Richard Keogh, Craig Forsyth; Paul Coutts (Ben Davies 46), Jeff Hendrick, Craig Bryson (Kieron Freeman 73), Jamie Ward; Conor Sammon (Mason Bennett 84), Chris Martin
Subs not used: Adam Legzdins, Michael Jacobs, Gareth Roberts, Valentin Gjokaj
Manager: Nigel Clough

Bookings

Blackburn Rovers – Lee Williamson, Grant Hanley, Colin Kazim-Richards

Derby County – Paul Coutts


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