Rovers Res 3 West Brom Res 1 For Jon Stead last nights reserve game at Christie Park, Morecambe could be the turning point of his season, as he hit his first goal of the season and helped Rovers to a 3-1 win against West Brom. The Baggies took the lead on the half hour mark, through Elvins and it wasn’t until 6 minutes in to the second half that Rovers equalised through Stead. West Brom’s keeper Jones failed to hold low daisy cutter shot by Andy Taylor as it skidded off the turf allowing Stead to lash the rebound home Whilst it may not have been the best goal of his career, it could be the one that kick starts his season. After a poor first half, his first goal of the season in any competition gave the young striker renewed confidence to inspire the team, first setting up a goal for Derbyshire and then Byrom. Mark Hughes watching the game will have been pleased to see his reserve squad go just a point behind league leaders Aston Villa, but more importantly with fact the Jon Stead has broken his duck, just ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Dingles. Final Score Rovers Res 3 West Brom Res 1

Can anyone shed any light on something I heard at half time, that a fans forum survey had been carried out by the LET asking what they thought was the most important, three points against Norwich or a win against the Dingles next week in the FA Cup. The survey result was three points against Norwich

In his post match interview, Rovers manager Mark Hughes was delighted at the manner and style in which his team had responded to Norwich boss Nigel Worthington's claims that Rovers were a bunch of Bully Boys. After a convincing 3-0 win Hughes stated: 'It was important that we won in the manner we did. We showed everybody we are able to get the ball down and pass well and create chances. 'If Norwich had done their homework and watched us over the course of the season I'm sure they would have know we were capable of that. 'We were able to make a little of a statement about what we are about today and we are glad we were able to make the right points.' After Morten Gamst Pedersen's opening goal, Rovers took command of the game, turning on the style to give the paying public an entertaining afternoon of football, to come away worthy 3-0 winners. Pederson, who was awarded Man of the Match by sponsors, Orange and Peter Jackson was also praised by Hughes in his post match interview, stating. 'Morten has a lot of attributes and his ability at set-pieces is a bonus for us. He did very well today and caused them a lot of problems. He has had to bide his time but he is looking stronger with every game and having an influence on those games, which is what we want from him." With Rovers eight points clear of the relegation zone, they can relax for a few weeks in the league, as for Norwich now entrenched in the bottom three, if Nigel Worthington thinks Rovers are bully boys, he will be in for a rude awakening next season, when he returns to the Cola pop league.

With all the excitment this week surrounding ticket sales for the game at Turf Moor a week on Sunday, tomorrows game against Norwich has been over shaddowed. However this game is just as important, if not more so if Rovers are to increase the gap from the relegation teams at the bottom. The importance of the game has not gone gone unannounced by Rovers Chief Executive John Williams, who has called upon the fans for vocal support tomorrow and is quoted in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph as saying. "If ever we wanted our crowd to make the right noises then this is it," Robbie Savage is a doubt for Rovers with the groin strain that ruled him out of the Wales friendly against Hungary and Bothroyd is also struggling for match fitness.

Heck this is going to be a long week and a bit. Maybe we should have a bouncer on the door

Me as well SAR, remember driving back to Ossie, not daring to look left or right hoping there was nothing blue and white on show. Worrying if anyone noticed the Blackburn Ford garage sticker on the back window of my new car.

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Die hard Rovers supporters were up and early this morning, some as early as 3am to ensure that they got hold of a ticket for next Sunday's FA Cup game at Turf Moor against the Dingles. With lengthy queues around the ground, and the ticket office phone line red hot, all of their 3800 ticket allocation were reportedly sold out before 11.30 am.

SOLD OUT. just been informed

Wash your mouth out. There no need for pessimistic comments like that. Ooops forgot - Rovers never take the easy option

Someone take a photo, send it to Mark Hughes and tell him to pin it to the dressing room wall.

Rovers reserves tonight beat top of the table Aston Villa at Christie Park Morecambe, 2 – 1 with goals from Derbyshire and Douglas. Rovers took the lead within the first 15 minutes when Derbyshire converted a left wing cross from Matt Jansen and despite increased pressure from Rovers, Villa gained an equaliser through Agbonlahor just before half time. With 14 minutes to go before the final whistle Douglas grabbed all 3 points for Rovers when he headed home a free kick from Donnelly.

With goals as rare as hen's teeth, supporters are crying out for a goal scoring hero, and 3 Rovers strikers will be aiming to stake a claim for that accolade as they either turn out for the reserves or international duty this evening. Whilst Paul Gallagher (Scotland) and Jon Stead (England) are included in their respective U21 squads, Matt Jansen returns from injury to play in the reserves against Aston Villa at Christie Park, Morecambe. Another player returning from injury and included in the reserve squad is Craig Short, however all eyes this evening will be on the performances of strikers, Gallagher, Jansen and Stead.

USA and Rovers keeper, Brad Friedel has announced his retirement from international football. Friedel is being reported to have said "I have decided that now is the right time to bring to a close my time representing the US. "The Premier League is incredibly demanding and over the remaining years of my career, I want to continue to play at the highest level for my club." Friedel who has won 82 caps and has been a member of the USA squad at the last three World Cups.

Carefull sumps, these aussies will make you buy the beer. If they ask for a jug, just get one to share

Ah but, if they are any good, other clubs benifit from our home grown talent. eg Duff Dunn Beattie, Tiny

The other problem is how many academy players make the first team and secondly when they do how many then stay at the club.

Im in a delema about this one, should it be the best striker in his own right or should it be the best striker that would be compatable with Shearers style of play.

Early news would indicate that Rovers game against the Dingles will be shown live on the BBC. Sunday February 20, with a kick off at 1.40pm

The Rovers Official site are reporting that defender Andy Todd has signed a new contract, that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2008. After being left out in the cold by previous Rovers manager, Souness, and even being loaned out to Burnley; Todd has resurrected his Rovers career after he was given the opportunity to regain a first team place by new manager Mark Hughes.

Paul...... Send him a return air fare ticket

Scotland Captain Barry Ferguson tonight waved goodbye to the Premiership when he signed for Ranger for a fee reported to be £4.5 million rising to £5 million. Ferguson who joined Rovers in 2003 for the sum of £6.5 million missed most of his first season in the Premiership due to injury and although he was awarded the Rovers Captains armband at the beginning of this season; he and his family have failed to settle, siting home sickness as his reasons for wanting to return to his Glasgow roots. English football must be greatfull that the likes of Shankly, Law, Busby, Alex Ferguson, Hendry, Hansen, Gallacher, Souness etc. and in particular Kenny Daglish were stronger characters.

He had a lift off waggy

Sky Sports are reporting that Rovers midfielder, Barry Ferguson is currently under going a medical at Rangers. Meanwhile speculation regarding Craig Bellamy is over after he earlier this evening joined Celtic on loan until the end of the season.

Well, we will soon see philipl. Bellamy has signed for Celtic