Match Report by Scotty Very difficult to write a match report tonight because there was so little to report. It looked like two tired teams who were set up to not concede rather than score. City were better than us in the first half. They worked harder and closed us down all over the pitch. Our defence kept them out though because our defence is ace. City didn't have a shot of note. We didn't have an attack of note. The first half was a non-event. We were better in the second half, but not much better. We had a brief flurry at the start of the half and then the game reverted to a dull midfield battle. Stead had a couple of half-chances that James saved and, apart from that, I can't think of a decent chance for either side. The game was pants basically. Full credit to our defence. I've got blase about them now. I expect them to keep clean sheets and they didn't let me down today. Shaun Wright-Philips, Fowler et al weren't a factor today. Todd and Matteo had especially good games. Our midfield was poor at times. We lost possession too often and got out battled in the first half. Pedersen had his normal sort of game except he didn't score. And when he doesn't score Pedersen's quite ordinary. Reid was energetic yet wasteful, Emerton lively yet annoying, Mokoena was defensive but poor in attack. Thompson came on (for Savage who didn't look fit throughout) in the second half and gave the ball away lots. Up front Stead was poor in the main. He had a couple of snap-shots that tested James but he failed to hold the ball or pass the ball on many occasions. Gally came on late on (for Pedersen - meaning a switch to 4-4-2) and looked impressive - could have been interesting if he'd have been given another ten minutes. It was a poor game, but there's lots of reasons to excuse it. It was a hot, blustery day, the pitch looked hard and bobbley, both teams were tired after 3 games in a week, and both teams were safe in the league. We're on 40 points now. We'd have all given our right knacker to get that many points at Xmas!

Where's the flair? Ask Graeme bloody Souness thankfully 2-0 down v ManUre and heading for a drubbing. (Can't believe I would ever watch a ManUre v Newcastle game hoping for the Red Scum to win.) Rev, I think I said it further back in this topic. Cant believe Im supporting Man U, at the moment.

hang on, that was the quote from the people.

waggy, you and I appear to be on the same wave length. I think the following says it all. Quote from the PeopleBut look at every single Blackburn player and ask yourself: Where's the flair? Where's the imagination? Where is there anything but muscle and malice aforethought? Not once in the whole game did a Rovers player produce a piece of skill that brought a smile to the face or joy to your heart. Nobody in a blue and white shirt did anything but the dourly predictable and mundane ... the only glimpse of imagination came in the myriad ways they found to break the laws.

So the media or other club supporters don't like us,do we care It doesn't matter what we do, we won't get any praise. Maybe it's because we are an unfashionable town club with a limited population made up mainly of working class followers who don't subscribe to capitalistic advertising campaigns or don't shout from the rooftops propaganda that will make front-page headlines. After this afternoons game, the team has been classed as a bunch of thugs, however if it was based on the yellow card count for the game, then there is little difference between Arsenal who had 3 players booked, (Toure, Fabregas, Cole.) and Rovers who had 4 booked (Flitcroft, Thompson, Mokoena, Neill.) I have noticed that the media very rarely mention the play acting of the so called glory teams, with their Johnnie Foreigner players who are tactically aware that if they go down squirming every time they lose the ball the referees are naïve enough to award free kicks and yellow cards against opponents. We are also being criticised for the poor following, well excuse me, but a following of 20,000 from a population of 137471, (2001 census figures for Blackburn & Darwen) represents one seventh of the population, which isn't bad in my book. I also suspect that the following would have been greater if the FA had considered the fans before the financial benefits of tv coverage, and thus allowed the kick off to be at a reasonable time and also if ticket prices had been more in line with a working class family orientated budget. As for the 30,000 Arsenal supporters at Cardiff, I suspect they were all librarians. Well done to our lot for out singing the silent majority. I somehow suspect that the media or the so called big club supporters, will never forgive nor give Rovers the credit for winning the Premiership Championship 10 years ago and will continue their vendetta, instead of giving Mark Hughes credit for playing the only tactics available with the players that he inherited from Graeme Souness. Any talented ball player that the club had was either sold or given away due to the previous managers personal ego or habit of wanting to play the transfer market, like some poker game. Any team, not just Rovers who allow Viera and the Arsenal midfield any room, commit tactical suicide as Arsenal will then rip them apart, which was quite evident when Rovers had to take the game to Arsenal in the dieing stages of the game. Hughes therefore quite rightly in my opinion played a tactical game of closing down Arsenal at every opportunity, relying on hopefully getting a break away goal. Maybe with a proven goal scorer things may be different, although I suspect we still wouldn't get credit from the media. So what if they dont like us, we dont care.

Forgive me if I missed anyone who posted about our dissallowed goal. Dickov was not off side. after seeing the replay his lobbed goal in the first half was incorrectly ruled off-side by the Dicked, oops refs assistant. Im suprised that our resident armchair muppet, how suggested that Todd should be banned, didnt see it.

The big problem with Palace, is that they have a striker who doesnt moan all afternoon, all he does is hit the back of the net.

I had a feeling it wasnt going to be our day, from the minute I got smacked in the face by the ball during the players warm up. That will teach me not to pay attention. There I was admiring the stadium then wham bang, I get a thunderball smack in the face and my specs go flying. A big thank you to the lass who caught them, before they dropped to the lower tier, my glasses that is

Rovers loose semi final to Arsenal at Cardiff. A Robert Pires goal just before half time and two late goals in the second half from Robin van Persie knocked out Rovers from the FA Cup this afternoon. Arsenal: Lehmann, Lauren, Senderos, Toure, Cole, Pires, Silva, Vieira, Reyes (Aliadiere 90), Ljungberg (Fabregas 50), Bergkamp (Van Persie 82). Subs Not Used: Almunia, Cygan. Booked: Toure, Fabregas, Cole. Goals: Pires 42, Van Persie 86, 90. Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Mokoena, Nelsen, Matteo (Stead 83), Pedersen, Flitcroft (Emerton 51), Reid, Thompson (Savage 63), Dickov. Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Tugay. Booked: Flitcroft, Thompson, Mokoena, Neill. Att: 52,077. Ref: S Dunn Match Report to follow.

At the time of writing this it would appear that Rovers will have around 17,500 supporters at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, when they face Arsenal in the FA Cup Semi Final. Whilst there have been many reasons given for the poor following, the main reason would appear to be a culmination of a number of factors, the venue, travel arrangements, principally due to poor railway time tables, the cost of tickets, but mainly the 12.15 kick off time. Once again little consideration has been given to the supporters, as the powers that be organise events around the tv companies and the financial institutions. Anyway enough moaning, despite all the obstacles set, a strong core of supporters will be in Cardiff to roar on the mighty Blue and Whites as they attempt to make their first FA Cup final since 1960. Not an easy task I must admit, however with our rejuvenated defence anything is possible. The biggest problem despite our 3-0 win last week will be scoring as I suspect Hughes will continue with his policy of one striker, four across the middle and Mokoena playing in front of the back four. The final selection could be interesting, but I suspect Hughes will start with the players who have performed so well in recent weeks, with fit again Savage having to be content with a place on the bench. The main change I can see is that Emerton will get a starting place ahead of David Thompson. Possible line up. Friedel Neill Todd Nelsen Matteo Mokoena Emerton Reid Flitcroft Pederson Dickov Subs. Thompson, Savage, Johannsen, Stead and Enkelmann I’m not going to make a prediction, but if Rovers manage to keep up their defensive strengths the outcome could all depend on penalties where Friedel will be hailed the hero of the day. For all those 17,500 going to the game, lets get behind the team and help them towards Uncle Jack and every Rovers supporters dream of reaching the Final. Have a safe journey. Link to Fans Views CLICK HERE

4am Paul, same here, even Posted: on here at 04:21 Never believe we were grown men would you.

14th April 1979 As Rovers Supporters prepare for Saturdays FA Cup Semi Final with the knowledge that Premiership Football is virtually assured for next season, let me take you back 26 years to the 1978-79 season. With the news on the eve of the 1978-89 season that star winger Dave Wagstaff was to leave the Rovers for Blackpool, Rovers started the season under the management of newly appointed manager Jim Iley. After finishing 5th the previous season, under the guidance of Jim Smith, Rovers started badly and within 8 games Jim Iley was shown the door. The start of the season had been a disaster and despite the signing of Duncan McKenzie from Chelsea, Rovers finishing bottom of the league and were relegated with 30 points. The worst part of the season being that Rovers lost valuable points that could have prevented relegation if they hadn’t been beaten home and away in the league 2-1, on each occasion by Burnley. The following season Rovers bounced back, winning promotion under new manager Howard Kendal, however during the same season Burnley were relegated and were not to meet Rovers in the league until the 1982-83 season when Rovers got revenge by beating them 1-0 at Turf Moor and 2-1 at Ewood, ensuring that Burnley only stayed in the division one season. Whilst Rovers continued their progression into the premiership and the ultimate prize of being crowned Premiership Champions, Burnley went into free fall never again to beat the mighty Blue and Whites. The Burnley win on the 14th April 1979, has been written in the record books, however the minds of all Rovers supporters it is etched as the last date that Burnley beat the Rovers. (26 years)

A late penalty awarded to Boro, resulted in, Rovers reserves losing 2-1 last night to Middlesbrough at Ewood Park. Despite going down to an early goal, by Boro’s Danny Graham, Rovers fought back to equalise with a Paul Gallagher goal on the half hour mark. However it wasn’t to be Rovers night when Graham Barr was judged to have brought down Boro’s Peacock in the penalty box. Final score Rovers 1 Boro 2 Robbie Savage, playing his first game after injury, completed 70 minutes whilst Jerome Watt and Jemal Johnson both limped out of the game with injuries after Rovers had used their three subs. Team: Drench, Kane, Amoruso (Barr, 46), Short, Taylor, Watt (Hodge 56), Savage, Harkins, Gallagher, Johnson (Weaver, 61), Derbyshire. Subs not used: Fielding, Woods.

rollerball or felt tip

Brilliant Sox. The Road to Cardiff with Nuclearsox, had to be a front page link.

Deep into stoppage time, the crowd were chanting his name, “Nuclearsox, Nuclearsox, Nuclearsox!” as he body-swerved between two defenders, flicked the ball over another and advanced on goal. As he reached the 18-yard line with the ball at his feet, he suddenly became aware of Kirsty Gallagher nuzzling into his neck and whispering seductively into his ear. “Not now, Kirsty!”, he protested. “Later Kirsty, later”. This was it! One accurate finish and he would put Blackburn Rovers through to the FA Cup final for the first time in 45 years. One more moment of composure would send 60,000 Blackburn fans into rapture. All that stood in his way was the goalkeeper, Osama Bin Laden, who was visibly shaking as Sox poised to shoot. All of a sudden, Osama let out the most annoying high-pitched bleeping noise ever heard in the Western world. Nuclearsox Road to Cardiff continues CLICK HERE Copyright © BRFCS.com and contributing members. Reproduction in any form without permission is not permitted.

Scotty's Match Report Terrific performance, great win, bring on the cup. We lined up in our now customary 4-1-4-1 formation, the only change from the last game saw Dickov replacing Stead up front. Not sure Stead deserved to be dropped but maybe his back injury played a part in the decision. I'm also not sure that Thompson deserved to keep his place ahead of Emerton after his last couple of performances. Southampton started with a 4-4-2 formation and were tactically inept throughout. We started well, our extra man in midfield meant we won a lot of possession and snuffed out any threat they had, and it was no surprise when we took the lead early on. A fantastic 50 yard cross-field ball from Mokoena was controlled superbly on the run by Pedersen who then finished with aplomb from the tightest of angles. Great goal. We didn't really push on from there though and, although Pedersen had a couple more chances to score (he missed his kick both times), it was Southampton who slowly came more into it. As the half wore on they started to get more of the ball and created some half chances, with Crouch's heading ability a growing threat. It didn't help that Thompson picked up a head injury towards the end of the half, had to leave the field for treatment for a few minutes, and then played like he didn't know where he was when he returned. Still, we made it to half-time with our lead intact and Southampton had it all to do. In my opinion Redknapp panicked at half-time. He threw on Phillips, sacrificed a midfielder (Le Saux), and changed to 4-3-3 in an attempt to get back in the game. But it just meant that our midfield, already on top thanks to the extra man, had even more time and space to play. Emerton replaced Thompson at half-time and revelled in the extra space now available down the right. Within three minutes of the restart we capitalised on that space and scored the second. Neill, Emerton and Reid all combined down the right to send Reid clear. His low cross wasn't going anywhere until a Southampton defender got a touch and steered the ball past their keeper into the net. We were full of confidence now and a third goal came quickly - Reid finishing a low cross from around the penalty spot. It could have been any score after that. Southampton were clearly demoralised and we were bouncing. Tugay replaced the injured Flitcroft and treated the crowd to an exhibition. He had all the time and space in the world to play and boy did he use it - all flicks and tricks and great passes - a joy to watch. Why we didn't score more is a mystery really as a combination of bad final balls and poor finishing let us down, but the game was over and we cruised to the finish. Friedel didn't have much to do but did everything he had to well. Our defence was solid again and coped with Crouch well for the most part. Neill in particular had a good game, bombing on into attack in the second half and linking up dangerously with Emerton. Our midfield controlled the game throughout. Mokoena was excellent in his holding roll. He did all the ugly things well, snuffing out attacks and making challenges like we know he can, but he also passed the ball superbly well. He normally uses the ball well by making simple passes to the nearest shirt, but yesterday he added some great long balls to his game as well. My man of the match and if he can keep this form going we've got a great player. Reid attacked well and looked a threat every time he went forward - he fully deserved his goal. Flitcroft battled well, Thompson started the game well but then looked lost after his injury, and Pedersen took his goal superbly but was fairly quiet after that. Tugay came on in the second half and took the pi55 and Emerton looked like a world beater, some of his runs were breathtaking. Dickov did ok, looked sharper than he did in his last game, but his passing let him down. Too often he gave the ball away when it looked simpler to find a colleague. Stead got a run out in the last 15 minutes but didn't really get any service. We battled well in the first half and then took advantage of the space available in the second half to win the game easily in the end. I'd be absolutely livid if I was a Southampton fan though. Imagine travelling all that way to see your manager throw the game away in the manner he did. It was bad enough that they started 4-4-2 but changing to a 4-3-3 formation at half-time was just suicidal. They were already getting overrun in midfield anyway, so taking a midfielder off for an extra man up front was a bizarre decision. It's the sort of change you make if you're still behind with 15-20 minutes to go, not at half-time. Credit to us though. We exploited the time and space fantastically well in the second half and looked a really good team. I think we're safe now, I've said all along that 36 points would be enough, but we'll pick up many more points if we keep playing like that. A perfect warm-up for Cardiff next week - I'm really looking forward to it now.

Maybe it was the withdrawal symptoms of seeing very few goals scored by Rovers of late, well in fact all season, but I came away from Ewood Park on a high Saturday afternoon. Whilst Rovers gained valuable points in their fight to avoid relegation, it was the manner of their 3-0 win over Southampton was the more rewarding factor. From the moment that Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers ahead in the 11th minute, it didn't look as if Rovers would loose. Something that I have now become accustomed to believing since Hughes rejuvenated the defence, with the re-introduction of Todd and the acquisition of the Admiral Nelsen. Pederson had the freedom of the park for most of the game and is becoming the darling of the Blackburn End. His goal was a peach, after collecting a long cross field pass from the Axe, Aaron Mokoena, on the left he cut in to slot the ball home from a narrow angle into the back of the Southampton net. However if Pederson is becoming the darling for his goal scoring exploits, the Admiral is become a folk hero in the short period that he's been at Rovers, there is nothing flash about him, he's just solid and dependable, a player that loves to defend. When many a modern day player would have been off to the local A & E with a broken fingernail, I'm told that last week Nelsen came off Old Trafford at the end of the game with a badly smashed finger, informing the medical team that he'd broken his finger. Even though I may be bias, The Admiral, has to be the best transfer buy of the season, some United supporters that I spoke to during the week couldn't believe that he was a free transfer from Washington DC. And that this was his first season in English football, let alone the Premiership. Rovers made sure of the points early in the second half thanks to an own goal from Andreas Jakobsson who deflected Steven Reid's cross into his own net, and then Reid, who had been exceptional all afternoon was deservedly rewarded for his efforts when he scored the third goal. Tugay appeared to be enjoyed himself when he came on for the injured Flitcroft, it was more of towing space around than creating it as his expressed his whole range of passes and flicks against a Southampton midfield that appeared to have lost it's cutting edge when Le Saux went off in the second half. Poor old Harry Redknapp and Jim Smith must have been frustrated to see their team unable to gather the ball in the second half as Rovers played the possession passing for long periods of the game with Tugay at the heart of most moves. Even the enigmatic and frustrating Emerton made a valid claim for inclusion in next Saturday's starting eleven with some fine attacking runs into the heart of the Southampton defence, as did Stead who made more impact in my opinion in his 15 minute appearance than Dickov did all game. Whilst I have singled out a number of players for their performance of Saturday, credit should be given to the whole of the team, as they battled for one another, with no one shirking their duties, when they could have easily had their minds on next Saturday's semi final. A matter that Mark Hughes commented on in his post match report, stating. "I thought the players were magnificent, each of them put in a committed performance. It was important we got the three points and there were no signs they were thinking ahead to next week." With safety virtually assured we can now concentrate on the cup, so lets just hope that they have kept something in reserve for Saturday. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Matteo, Mokoena, Thompson (Emerton 45), Reid (Stead 74), Flitcroft (Tugay 49), Pedersen, Dickov. Subs Not Used: Amoruso, Enckelman. Booked: Emerton, Reid. Goals: Pedersen 11, Jakobsson 48 og, Reid 55. Southampton: Smith, Delap, Lundekvam, Jakobsson, Bernard (Higginbotham 83), Telfer, Redknapp, Quashie, Le Saux (Phillips 45), Crouch, Camara (Anders Svensson 75). Subs Not Used: Poke, Davenport. Booked: Camara. Att: 20,726 Referee: N Barry

In his post match comments Southampton manager Harry Rednap was complementary about Rover, stating. "They (Rovers) played well and looked a decent team to me. They are compact and you can see whilst they have gone to Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton and got results. They look a strong outfit. "They have the look of a decent team and on that performance should give Arsenal or any other team a run for their money. "They played some great football today. Yes they are competitive but that's what you're supposed to be."

Rovers gained another valuable 3 points in their fight to avoid relegation, when they beat Southampton convincingly 3-0 at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon. Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers ahead in the 11th minute, after collecting a long cross field pass from Aaron Mokoena, before slotting the ball home from a narrow angle into the back of the Southampton net. Half time 1-0. Rovers made sure of the points early in the second half thanks to an own goal from Andreas Jakobsson who deflected Steven Reid's cross into his own net, and then Reid, who had been exceptional all afternoon was deservedly rewarded for his efforts when he scored the third goal from about 8 yards out 10 minutes into the second half. In his post match interview Mark Hughes was clearly pleased, stating:- "I thought the players were magnificent, each of them put in a committed performance. "It was important we got the three points and there were no signs they were thinking ahead to next week. "We probably need one more win to be safe, and it's made it difficult for the teams below us to catch us." Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Matteo, Mokoena, Thompson (Emerton 45), Reid (Stead 74), Flitcroft (Tugay 49), Pedersen, Dickov. Subs Not Used: Amoruso, Enckelman. Booked: Emerton, Reid. Goals: Pedersen 11, Jakobsson 48 og, Reid 55. Southampton: Smith, Delap, Lundekvam, Jakobsson, Bernard (Higginbotham 83), Telfer, Redknapp, Quashie, Le Saux (Phillips 45), Crouch, Camara (Anders Svensson 75). Subs Not Used: Poke, Davenport. Booked: Camara. Att: 20,726 Referee: N Barry Link to Match Reports Click read entire article for more

AK the link doesnt work

hey things are looking up. looks like Sparky's planning another trip for us Wembley here we come.

Well, what do you know another goalless draw? If someone had said to me that Rovers would have got 5 points from the Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United fixtures at the beginning of the year I'd have had them committed for insanity. OK, Rovers rode their luck against United with Rooney and Keane hitting the post, but full credit must be given to the defence once again, with The Admiral Nelsen, Todd and Superman Friedel again in top form. Jon Stead ran his socks off in the uncustomary role of sole striker and was praised accordingly by Hughes in the post match analysis, stating. "Jon has worked really hard for the team today. He put in a great performance If he performs like that until the end of the season I'll be delighted" A word of praise should also be given to Steven Reid, who is getting better with every game, who in my opinion will retain his place at the expense of Thompson, who had a poor game, when Savage returns from injury. It was interesting to see that none of the media gave Rovers credit for their defensive display, it was all about Sir Alex complaining about the lack of extra time, maybe it makes up for the Fergie time added at Ewood earlier in the season. May I suggest that even if there had been another 10 minutes added United still wouldn't have scored, as Rovers looked the stronger as the game progressed. And as for an excuse that United's players had been on international duty, well so had Rovers players, many of whom had travelled half way round the world. Well the media and opposition supporters may not like us, but we don't care, we are climbing clear of the relegation dog fight. United: Howard, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Scholes, Fortune, Giggs (Keane 6), Rooney, van Nistelrooy (Smith 63). Subs Not Used: Phil Neville, Brown, Carroll. Booked: Gary Neville, Keane, Smith. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Matteo, Reid, Thompson, Mokoena (Emerton 68), Flitcroft, Pedersen (Gallagher 78), Stead. Subs Not Used: Amoruso, Tugay, Enckelman. Booked: Stead, Nelsen. Att: 67,939 Ref: M Riley

OK, I'm annoyed at the kick off time but I'm going to make the most of the occation. It's games like these that makes following the team wothwhile, after all the unattractive games weve had to endure in the last two seasons, We have to be greatful for being involed in such an event. If you dont make the most of occations like this, then you might as well not bother at all. There again thats what a lot of the glory day supporters have done, I suspect they will all come out of the woodwork should we get to the final and then complain that they cant get a ticket. There are supporters up and down the country who would give their right arm to watch their team in the FA Cup semi final, yet a vast majority of so called Rovers supporters can only find some excuse to complain about it. Im sorry to say but reading some of the posts of late has been very depressing. If your not happy about the venue or kick off times then do something to protest, but for pete sake stop complaining about the club its the FA who organized the event.

Rovers reserves beat Nottingham Forest reserves 3-0 tonight at Ewood Park, with goals from Gary Harkins, Matt Derbyshire and an own goal fron Forests Paddy Gamble. Match Report Official Site Link Registration Required for access.