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Day: 12/30

Season: 2012/13

Fixture: Rovers 1-1 Burnley (17/3/13)

Highlights

Why Chosen

Where to even begin with the chaos of the 2012/13 season. Five different managers over six different spells (Gary Bowyer as caretaker twice). Steve Kean to Eric Black to Henning Berg. 57 days and a reported £2.25m later to Gary Bowyer (for three games) then to Michael Appleton, who lasted 67 days, then back to Bowyer. A relegation battle juxtaposed with Rovers' best chance (since Chelsea at Old Trafford ) of appearing at new Wembley as fellow Championship side Millwall came to Ewood in a FA Cup 6th Round replay. But one game stands above them. David Dunn (a yard offside) notching a 90+5 equaliser to send the Ewood crowd into a mix of ecstasy and relief. Burnley deserved the victory and dominated a dismal Rovers. Only the late heroics from the local hero Dunn saved our blushes.

Aftermath

Lets face it, the goal only delayed the inevitable for another year as The Clarets would taste victory at Ewood almost a year to the day on from Dunny‘s signature moment. The two sides would go in polar opposites for the following decade. This would also be Michael Appleton’s last game in charge of Rovers. Eleven points from the last six games would see Rovers safe, but the Venkys era was certainly off to an explosive start.  

Honourable Mentions 

Bristol City 3-5 Rovers (15/9/12) – Recently relegated Rovers smashed their transfer record with the purchase of Jordan Rhodes from Huddersfield Town. The new signing started with a bang. A brace at Ashton Gate along with goals from Nuno Gomes, Ruben Rochina and Scott Dann sent Steve Kean’s men to the top of the table after five games.

Arsenal 0-1 Rovers (16/2/13) – File this under the most unlikely Rovers victories (possibly of all time) as Colin Kazim-Richards stunned the 60,070 crowd for a famous FA Cup 5th Round victory. To date, the last meeting between the two clubs and Rovers only ever win at The Emirates. Michael Appleton the unlikely manager to achieve the victory.

Rovers 0-1 Millwall (13/3/13) - Rovers blow the chance of a generation for a FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley. Danny Shittu’s winner combined with Rovers’ direct style meant the big Jamaican defender would be the hero as Milwall reached Wembley where they’d suffer semi-final defeat to unlikely eventual winners Wigan Athletic.